Homemade Summer Pasta Salad Recipe With Herbs
As the warm sun bathes the earth and the days stretch longer, the craving for fresh, vibrant meals becomes irresistible. This Homemade Summer Pasta Salad, bursting with colorful vegetables and fragrant herbs, is a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire, perfect for those sunny afternoons or laid-back dinners. This dish brings together al dente fettuccine, a medley of crisp vegetables, and a light, herby dressing that tantalizes the palate without overwhelming it. Not only is this pasta salad a feast for the eyes, but it also provides a satisfying balance of flavors that will leave your guests craving more.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fettuccine Pasta | 250 grams |
| Black olives (pitted) | 1/2 cup |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/2 (cut into wedges) |
| Yellow Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/2 (cut into wedges) |
| Red onion | 1 (thinly sliced) |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup (halved) |
| Cucumber | 1/2 cup (thinly cut into wedges) |
| Green Romaine lettuce | 1/2 cup (roughly torn) |
| Basil leaves | 1 sprig |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns (coarsely pounded) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chili flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 minutes |
| Cooking | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | Value |
|---|---|
| 2 servings |
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Begin your culinary adventure by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine pasta, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta reaches the perfect al dente texture, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process, ensuring a firm bite. This step is crucial as it preserves the pasta’s integrity and keeps it from becoming mushy.
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Prepare the Dressing: While the pasta cools, in a small bowl, whisk together the Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Italian seasoning, coarsely pounded black peppercorns, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. This simple dressing brings together the robust flavors of the Mediterranean, enhancing the freshness of your ingredients.
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Chill the Pasta: After rinsing and draining, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the pasta, tossing it gently to coat. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the strands from sticking together. Cover the pasta and place it in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more vibrant taste.
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Chop the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, chop the red and yellow bell peppers, slice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly cut the cucumber into wedges. Keep the greens— Romaine lettuce and basil—roughly torn for a rustic feel. This colorful array of vegetables not only adds texture but also offers a nutritional punch.
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Assemble the Salad: When you’re ready to serve, take the chilled pasta out of the refrigerator. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, prepared vegetables, and the herby dressing. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that each piece of pasta and vegetable is evenly coated in the dressing.
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Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or a sprinkle of red chili flakes can elevate the dish, making it perfectly tailored to your palate.
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Serve and Enjoy: Present your Homemade Summer Pasta Salad in a beautiful serving bowl. For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing it with a few whole basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil. This salad pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine and a bowl of minestrone soup, making for a refreshing weeknight dinner or a delightful packed lunch.
Culinary Tips
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Make Ahead: This pasta salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Zucchini, artichokes, or even grilled vegetables can provide different flavors and textures.
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Protein Boost: To transform this salad into a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
This Homemade Summer Pasta Salad Recipe With Herbs is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. With its balance of flavors and textures, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast. Whether served as a main course or a side, it is bound to become a beloved staple in your summer menu!
