Aunt B’s Pasta Salad ๐
Aunt B’s Pasta Salad is a delightful and classic side dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or as a refreshing addition to any meal. Its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make it are as follows:
History: Aunt B’s Pasta Salad is a beloved family recipe that has been passed down for generations. It originated in the heart of the American South and has become a cherished tradition at family gatherings and social events.
Components:
- 2 cups of cooked pasta (such as rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved ๐
- 1/2 cup of diced cucumbers ๐ฅ
- 1/2 cup of red bell peppers, chopped ๐ถ๏ธ
- 1/4 cup of red onions, finely diced ๐ง
- 1/4 cup of black olives, sliced ๐ซ
- 1/4 cup of feta cheese, crumbled ๐ง
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped ๐ฟ
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup of olive oil ๐ซ
- 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar ๐ท
- 1 clove of garlic, minced ๐ง
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard ๐ฏ
- 1 teaspoon of honey ๐ฏ
- Salt and pepper to taste ๐ง๐ง
Steps to Prepare:
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let it cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red bell peppers, red onions, black olives, and feta cheese.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta salad ingredients and toss everything gently to ensure even distribution of the dressing.
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Sprinkle the chopped basil over the top for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
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Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and develop.
Time Needed: Aunt B’s Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare, but it’s best when refrigerated for at least 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld. So, in total, you’ll need approximately 1.5-2 hours.
Enjoy Aunt B’s Pasta Salad at your next gathering! ๐ด It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures, and the colorful ingredients make it as visually appealing as it is delicious. ๐๐ฅ
