Sassy Salads

Pasta Salad

Pasta salads, versatile and vibrant, have become a global favourite. Originating from Italy, these salads offer a refreshing twist to traditional pasta dishes. Typically served cold, they feature a medley of al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and various proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. The magic lies in the dressing, a symphony of olive oil, herbs, vinegar, and spices. Popular varieties include the classic Italian pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and basil or the Greek version with feta cheese and olives. Pasta salads are not just a summer delight but a canvas for creative culinary expression year-round.

Recipe: Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 227g rotini or fusilli pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

For the dressing:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

A wide variety of quality ingredients for our recipes are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, red bell pepper, red onion, mozzarella, and fresh basil.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated.

5. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

6. Before serving, give it a final toss and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with additional basil if desired.

Enjoy this classic Italian pasta salad as a refreshing and flavourful dish, perfect for any occasion.

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