Pasta Salad with Pears, Bacon, and Walnuts
Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Mezze Penne Rigate | 380g |
| Pears | 400g |
| Smoked Bacon | 100g |
| Walnuts (shelled) | 50g |
| Salt (to taste) | q.b. |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 60g |
| Fresh Thyme | 1 sprig |
| Pink Peppercorns | q.b. |
| Pecorino Cheese | 100g |
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat mezze penne rigate and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool.
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Prepare the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, slice the smoked bacon into thin strips, then cut it into small matchstick-sized pieces. Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat and cook the bacon strips for about 3 minutes until they become crispy and golden brown. There’s no need to add extra fat as the bacon will release its own oils. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess fat.
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Prepare the Pears: Wash the pears thoroughly and cut them in half. Remove the core and seeds, and then cut the pears into thin wedges and cube them without peeling. Set aside.
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Chop the Walnuts: Finely chop the walnuts with a knife to add a delightful crunch to the salad.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cubed pears, finely chopped thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt to taste. Gently toss the ingredients together.
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Add Bacon and Walnuts: Add the crispy bacon strips and chopped walnuts to the salad, giving it another gentle toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
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Finish with Pecorino and Seasonings: Cut the Pecorino cheese into small cubes and add it to the pasta salad. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and season with pink peppercorns and salt as needed. Toss the salad one last time to ensure all the ingredients are well coated.
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Serve: This delightful pasta salad is now ready to serve! It’s perfect as a fresh, savory side dish or a light meal on its own. Enjoy the combination of crunchy walnuts, sweet pears, savory bacon, and creamy Pecorino in every bite.
Tips:
- You can substitute the Pecorino with Parmesan for a slightly milder flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter version, try using turkey bacon instead of smoked bacon.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a few drops of balsamic vinegar just before serving.
This Pasta Salad with Pears, Bacon, and Walnuts is an irresistible dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of pears with the smokiness of bacon, all tossed in a deliciously fragrant thyme dressing. It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
