Simple Pasta Salad Recipe

While the classic BBC Good Food pasta salad recipe is fantastic, there’s so much room for creativity and personalization! This guide will take you through the essential ingredients, basic steps, and key considerations for building your perfect pasta salad masterpiece.

Ingredients

The Base:

500g dried pasta (shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini work well)

Salt for cooking the pasta

The Veggies: (Pick and choose your favorites, or use a pre-made chopped vegetable mix!)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

1 cucumber, diced

1 red onion, diced (optional, for a bit of a bite)

150g cherry tomatoes, halved

100g black olives, halved

100g cooked peas

50g crumbled feta cheese

The Dressing: (Choose one or create your own!)

Simple Vinaigrette: 4 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste

Creamy Italian: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste

Pesto: 1/2 cup store-bought pesto, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste

The Extras: (Optional, for a touch of something special!)

Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano

Grilled chicken or shrimp, sliced

Artichokes, quartered

Chopped roasted nuts like almonds or walnuts

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prep the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop your chosen vegetables and add them to a large bowl.
3. Assemble the Salad: In the bowl with the vegetables, add the cooked and cooled pasta.
4. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together your chosen dressing ingredients.
5. Combine and Enjoy: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, and toss to coat everything evenly. Add any optional extras like cheese, protein, or herbs at this stage.
6. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts: (Note: This is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients you choose)

Serving size: 1 cup

Calories: Around 350

Fat: 15g

Carbohydrates: 40g

Protein: 10g

The Beauty of Customization

This recipe is just a starting point! Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, vegetables, cheeses, proteins, and dressings. You can add a spicy kick with chili flakes or sriracha, a touch of sweetness with dried cranberries, or a smoky flavor with roasted red peppers. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape works well in a salad. Penne, fusilli, rotini, farfalle, or even macaroni would all be delicious choices.

2. How long will this pasta salad keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your pasta salad will be good for up to 3 days.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?

Of course! Simply omit the feta cheese and any other meat or seafood you may have included.

4. Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative and ensure all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

5. What are some good side dishes for pasta salad?

This pasta salad can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or dinner, or served alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.