Overview:
This Summer Spiral Salad is a refreshing pasta dish perfect for picnics or potlucks. Enhanced with herbs and packed with a variety of vegetables, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (includes chilling time)
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 4 cups spiral-shaped pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup pitted ripe olives, sliced
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/3 cup tarragon vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh oregano, chopped (or dried oregano)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (or dried basil)
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare Pasta and Vegetables:
- Cook spiral-shaped pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool quickly. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add drained and rinsed garbanzo beans, halved cherry tomatoes, cubed part-skim mozzarella cheese, and sliced pitted ripe olives to the bowl with pasta.
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Make the Dressing:
- In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine canola oil, tarragon vinegar, cider vinegar, salt, chopped fresh oregano (or dried oregano), chopped fresh basil (or dried basil), and pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until well combined.
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Combine and Chill:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture in the bowl.
- Gently toss everything together to coat evenly with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least several hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss again to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve chilled as a delightful side dish or a light main course for a summer gathering.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 317.8
- Total Fat: 9.8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.1g
- Cholesterol: 9.1mg
- Sodium: 759.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45.7g
- Fiber: 4.6g
- Sugar: 1.4g
- Protein: 11.9g
Tips for Variations:
- Add More Vegetables: Customize your salad by adding more vegetables such as cucumber slices, bell peppers, or baby spinach.
- Protein Boost: For a heartier option, add grilled chicken breast strips or cooked shrimp.
- Herb Substitutions: Feel free to swap fresh herbs with dried herbs, adjusting quantities to taste.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it perfect for meal prep or advance party planning.
This Summer Spiral Salad is not only delicious and nutritious but also a colorful addition to any summer meal or gathering. Enjoy the freshness and flavors of this herb-enhanced pasta salad! 🥗