Perfectly Balanced Pasta Salad

Looking for a refreshing and satisfying summer meal? Try this perfectly balanced pasta salad, which combines freshness with heartiness. This dish is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as part of your casual dinner menu.

Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of cooked pasta (any type you prefer)
• 1 large cucumber, diced finely
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped into cubes
• 1 small red onion, sliced thinly and then cut into rings
• 3 green peppers, sliced thinly and then julienned
• ½ cup of pitted black olives (optional)
• 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped finely
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar or lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• ½ teaspoon of pepper
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, green peppers, and black olives if you are using them. Mix well.
2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar (or lemon juice), salt, pepper, and dried oregano if you are using it. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as necessary.
3. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixtures. Stir until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together properly.

Why Choose a Balanced Pasta Salad?

This recipe is not just about a simple mix of pasta, vegetables, and herbs. The perfect balance comes from a carefully selected combination of ingredients that bring out each flavor's best characteristics while still maintaining the overall dish’s harmony. For instance, the cucumber adds crispness and freshness to the salad, which balances out the heartiness provided by the cooked pasta and green peppers. Similarly, tomatoes contribute acidity and sweetness, which helps to balance the saltiness from olives and the peppery notes in the dressing.

Furthermore, this dish is low in calories and rich in essential nutrients due to its vegetable-heavy composition. It contains dietary fiber, vitamins A & C, antioxidants like lycopene, as well as minerals such as potassium and iron. For those who are health-conscious, this pasta salad offers an excellent option for a nutritious meal that does not compromise on taste.

Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly

This recipe can be enjoyed by vegetarians and vegans alike. If you have any dietary restrictions, there is no need to worry; you can modify the ingredients based on your needs while still maintaining the balance of flavors in this dish. For example, if you are a vegetarian, you might want to consider adding some cooked chickpeas or lentils for additional protein and texture.

Modification Tips

1. If you're looking to spice things up a bit more, add some sliced jalapeños or other chili peppers. Just be cautious of how much heat you can handle!
2. To give the salad an extra kick, try adding some feta cheese instead of black olives.
3. For those who prefer creamy dressings, you can substitute olive oil and vinegar with mayonnaise or a mixture of yogurt and lemon juice for a more indulgent version.

Tips for Serving the Salad:

This dish is best enjoyed cold. After mixing well and allowing it to chill in the refrigerator, serve it either as part of a larger meal or on its own with some crusty bread or fresh greens. It pairs especially well with grilled chicken or fish, but if you prefer not to have protein at your meal, it's also great as a standalone dish.

Remember, the key to making this dish work is proper mixing and enough chilling time so that all ingredients can meld together harmoniously. With a little bit of practice, you'll be able to create a perfectly balanced pasta salad every single time!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 12g | Carbohydrates: 58g | Fiber: 9g | Fat: 6g

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it an excellent choice for any meal or gathering. Try this perfectly balanced pasta salad, and you're sure to enjoy its delightful flavors along with the benefits of a healthy dish.