Food is more than mere sustenance—it’s a celebration of life, connecting cultures, people, and heritage. In Italy, where I grew up, pasta holds a special place, which is the same for me. However, it wasn’t until later that I discovered the allure of pasta salad—a perfect choice for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a satisfying main course. The versatility of these salads allows for endless ingredient combinations to suit every palate.
Delicious and Versatile Orzo-based Cold Pasta Salad Recipe:
Experience the light and fluffy texture of orzo, the star of my favorite cold pasta salad. Combined with diced red or yellow pepper, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, green olives, and Italian parsley, it creates a refreshing medley of flavors. Enhance the dish further by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a tangy dressing.
Benefits of Health and Flavor:
Indulge in a filling and healthy meal with this delightful pasta salad. Orzo, or any other pasta offer includes your carbs. The vibrant vegetables which include olives, parsley, tomatoes (yes I know they are technically a fruit) add an array of essential vitamins and minerals. The dressing, made with healthy fats and no added sugars, enhances the flavors without compromising on health.
A Celebration of Life and Togetherness:
Beyond its nutritional advantages, this pasta salad symbolizes the joy of celebrating life’s moments. Share it with loved ones, family, and even strangers, as it brings people together, fostering connections and creating lifelong memories. Let this dish serve as a reminder to savor and celebrate the beauty of life.
Try Your Own Twist of Pasta Salad:
Embrace the versatility of cold pasta salads and let your creativity shine. Experiment with different ingredient combinations, tailoring the dish to suit your unique taste buds. Unleash your imagination and enjoy the feast that is life.
For a dish that is both healthy and delicious, venture into the world of cold pasta salads. Delight in the flavors of our orzo-based recipe while cherishing the connections it creates. Celebrate life’s bounty and make every moment a celebration with this refreshing pasta salad.
Cold Pasta Salad
6
servings30
minutes10
minutesPrepare yourself for a culinary journey as we delve into the art of crafting a delicious pasta salad using the finest ingredients. Whether you choose orzo or fusilli, the following steps will guide you to pasta salad perfection:
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Ingredients
1 lb. 0.45 kg Pasta (Orzo, Fusilli or any other will do)
1 1 Red or Yellow pepper
1 1 Medium size cucumber
1 1 Lemon (juice of 1 lemon)
2 Tbsp 2 Tbsp Olive oil
15-20 15-20 Green olives
1 lb. 1 Cherry tomatoes cut in half
1 cup 236.59 ml chopped Italian parsley
3 3 garlic cloves
Salt / Pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 1 lb of orzo (or fusilli) to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. This typically takes around 8-10 minutes for orzo and slightly longer for fusilli. Once cooked, drain the pasta and briefly rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the red or yellow pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. Next, cut the medium-sized cucumber in cubes. Take the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half to release their juicy goodness. Set the vegetables aside for now.
- Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the juice of 1 lemon, olive oil, and mince the garlic cloves. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. This zesty dressing will add a burst of flavor to the pasta salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced pepper, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and 15-20 green olives. Chop the Italian parsley, using both the leaves and tender stems, and add it to the bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the ingredients for seasoning.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that the dressing coats the pasta and vegetables evenly. Allow the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Once chilled, remove the pasta salad from the refrigerator and give it a final toss. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates, garnishing with additional parsley leaves if desired. This delightful pasta salad is now ready to be savored and enjoyed!
Notes
- Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella, roasted pine nuts, or tuna, to make it your own. Now, gather your loved ones and embark on a culinary adventure, reveling in the harmonious flavors of pasta salad.
- Achieving al dente pasta is crucial for a successful pasta salad. Overcooking can, and will result in a sticky mess. Cook the pasta just until it's firm yet tender, without going a second too far. The cooking time will vary based on the pasta type, so be mindful and aim for that perfect al dente texture.
- The best way to cool the pasta is to strain the cooked pasta and rinse it with cold water in the strainer. This removes excess starch and prevents sticking. Additionally, adding a drizzle of olive oil and gently tossing the pasta helps distribute it evenly. Let it rest while you prepare the remaining ingredients. This process ensures a well-cooled and perfectly coated pasta, ready to be transformed into a pasta salad.
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