Ugly Pasta Salad
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
Sometimes, the most unassuming dishes turn out to be the most delicious. This Ugly Pasta Salad is a perfect example. Its name may not do it justice, but don’t let its appearance fool you. The hominy absorbs the rich brown hues from the balsamic vinegar, giving it a unique look that’s as surprising as it is tasty. The tangy, garlicky balsamic vinaigrette is the star of this recipe—adjust the garlic and vinegar to suit your taste if you find the flavors a bit intense. Feel free to substitute the pricier fresh mozzarella with regular mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, which are just as delightful. This delightful pasta salad is inspired by a recipe from Mollie Katzen’s Vegetable Heaven.
Recipe Category
Pasta Shells
Keywords
Healthy, Under 30 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can hominy, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed (or substitute with regular mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 pound pasta shells
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Whisk together until well combined, creating a tangy and aromatic marinade.
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Mix Ingredients: Add the drained chickpeas, hominy, and cubed mozzarella cheese to the bowl with the marinade. Stir gently to ensure everything is coated with the vinaigrette.
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Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for as long as possible to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re short on time, you can let it sit at room temperature while you cook the pasta. The salad will still be delicious with less marinating time.
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Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
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Combine Pasta and Salad: Add the cooled pasta shells to the bowl with the marinated chickpea and hominy mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Serve: You can serve this Ugly Pasta Salad hot, warm, at room temperature, or cold. It makes great leftovers! If desired, sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
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Optional Additions: This salad is quite versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables such as olives, grape tomatoes, or scallions to enhance the flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 602.6
- Fat: 17.8g
- Saturated Fat: 6.3g
- Cholesterol: 29.9mg
- Sodium: 993.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 86.1g
- Fiber: 7.4g
- Sugar: 5.3g
- Protein: 23g
Enjoy this Ugly Pasta Salad as a hearty meal or a delightful side dish that’s sure to surprise with its bold flavors despite its unassuming appearance. 🍝👩🍳
