Are you craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer picnic? Look no further! This pasta salad recipe, bursting with fresh vegetables and the zesty kick of Salad Supreme seasoning, is the answer to your culinary prayers. It's one of those easy recipes that’s surprisingly impressive, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels. Get ready to elevate your pasta salad game!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (rotini, farfalle, or your favorite shape)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1/2 cup Salad Supreme seasoning
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
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Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Rinse and drain the black beans.
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Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and black beans.
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Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Salad Supreme seasoning, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of vinegar to your liking for a tangier or milder dressing.
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Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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Add cheese and serve: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for later. This salad tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld!
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the salad and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh vegetables: The fresher the vegetables, the better the flavor of your salad will be.
- Customize your ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as broccoli florets, carrots, or zucchini. Grilled chicken or chickpeas would also make delicious additions.
- Make it ahead: This pasta salad is even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld.
Variations:
- Italian Herb Pasta Salad: Replace the Salad Supreme seasoning with a mix of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Spicy Pasta Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
- Greek Pasta Salad: Use feta cheese instead of cheddar and add Kalamata olives and chopped fresh parsley.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This easy pasta salad recipe is a fantastic option for healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and delicious dishes for any occasion. Enjoy this versatile and flavorful recipe – a true testament to the power of simple, homemade cooking!