Alicia’s Vashon Pasta Salad is a delightful pasta salad known for its rich and flavorful taste. While there isn’t a widely recognized historical origin associated with this specific dish, it’s likely a unique creation from someone named Alicia, possibly inspired by Vashon Island, a picturesque island in Washington state known for its natural beauty and creative community.
Here are the components and steps to prepare Alicia’s Vashon Pasta Salad:
Components:
- 2 cups of cooked pasta (such as fusilli, rotini, or penne)
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup of red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps to Prepare:
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and let it cool to room temperature.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This will be your dressing.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure even coating with the dressing.
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Add the torn basil leaves on top of the salad for a fresh and fragrant finish.
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Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Preparation Time: This salad typically takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, excluding the time for the salad to chill in the refrigerator. You’ll want to factor in an additional 30 minutes for the chilling process to enhance the flavors.
Alicia’s Vashon Pasta Salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal. Enjoy!
While I don’t have access to specific nutrition databases, I can provide some general information about the nutrition and potential health benefits of Alicia’s Vashon Pasta Salad based on its components:
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Pasta: Pasta is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body. Whole wheat pasta can also offer dietary fiber.
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Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are low in calories and rich in vitamins and antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene, which may have various health benefits.
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Cucumber: Cucumbers are low in calories and provide hydration. They also contain vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K and potassium.
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Red Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as dietary fiber. They are low in calories.
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Red Onion: Red onions add flavor and contain antioxidants and certain vitamins and minerals. They are low in calories.
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Black Olives: Olives are a source of healthy monounsaturated fats. They also provide some fiber and various vitamins and minerals.
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Feta Cheese: Feta cheese is a good source of calcium and protein but is also relatively high in saturated fats and sodium. It should be consumed in moderation.
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Balsamic Dressing: Balsamic vinegar can add flavor without many calories. However, the dressing’s overall nutrition will depend on the specific ingredients and proportions used.
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Olive Oil: Olive oil, used in moderation, can provide healthy monounsaturated fats. It’s calorie-dense, so portion control is important.
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Fresh Basil: Basil adds flavor and some vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K.
The nutritional content of your salad will depend on the exact amounts of each ingredient used and the specific dressing recipe. To determine precise nutrition facts and health information, you may want to use a nutrition calculator or consult with a registered dietitian, especially if you have specific dietary goals or restrictions.
