Blue Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe 🥗
Overview:
Savor the delightful blend of flavors in this Blue Cheese Pasta Salad, a tantalizing creation perfect for a quick meal or a side dish at your next gathering. Bursting with wholesome ingredients and creamy textures, this recipe promises a burst of satisfaction in every bite. With a total preparation time of just 25 minutes, including 15 minutes of cooking and 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a scrumptious dish ready to serve in no time!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 2 cups |
| Plain nonfat yogurt | 1 cup |
| Low-fat mayonnaise | 2 tbsp |
| Blue cheese | 2 oz |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Fresh ground pepper | 1/8 tsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 275.2
- Fat Content: 7.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 40.5mg
- Sodium Content: 292.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 32.3g
- Fiber Content: 4.2g
- Sugar Content: 3.8g
- Protein Content: 20.2g
Instructions:
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Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions. Ensure the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection for the best texture.
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Prepare Yogurt Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the plain nonfat yogurt, low-fat mayonnaise, crumbled blue cheese, salt, and fresh ground pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, creating a creamy and flavorful dressing.
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Saute Garlic: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Swirl in the olive oil, then add the minced garlic. Saute the garlic for about 30 seconds, allowing its aromatic flavors to infuse into the oil.
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Cook Steak: Add the beef to the skillet in two batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the beef until it’s just browned, approximately 2 minutes per batch. This quick cooking method seals in the juices, resulting in tender and succulent steak bites.
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Combine Ingredients: Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the bowl with the prepared yogurt dressing. Toss the pasta gently until it’s evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
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Add Tomatoes and Steak: Incorporate the cooked steak and cherry tomatoes into the pasta mixture. Toss everything together until the steak and tomatoes are evenly distributed throughout the salad, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
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Serve: Once all the ingredients are combined, serve the Blue Cheese Pasta Salad immediately. Garnish with additional crumbled blue cheese or freshly ground pepper if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
This Blue Cheese Pasta Salad is best enjoyed fresh and makes a delightful meal on its own or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade for a complete dining experience.
Tips for Success:
- For added flavor, consider marinating the steak in your favorite seasoning blend before cooking.
- If you prefer a stronger blue cheese flavor, increase the amount of blue cheese in the dressing to suit your taste.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers or chopped cucumbers, for extra crunch and freshness.
Conclusion:
With its creamy blue cheese dressing, tender steak bites, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, this Blue Cheese Pasta Salad is sure to impress your taste buds and satisfy your hunger cravings. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or at a summer barbecue with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade goodness with every forkful of this irresistible pasta salad!
