Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Pasta Salad With Arugula, Bell Pepper & Spring Onion


Pasta Salads...love or hate? I fall into both categories depending on how they are prepared. Limp overcooked pasta with soggy vegetables and drenched in dressing? Hate. Perfectly cooked al dente noodles lightly tossed in a delicious fresh vinaigrette with crisp, in-season vegetables? Love.



I feel like I am invited to a potluck lunch or dinner every week and often look to this recipe as my offering. The pasta salad fits the "Love" category and is always a crowd pleaser. Sweet yellow or orange bell pepper, spicy fresh baby arugula and mild spring onion look beautiful and tastes great. It's a keeper. Enjoy!




Pasta Salad With Arugula, Bell Pepper & Spring Onion
(serves 6)

1 lb tubular pasta (any shape you like)
1/4 lb baby arugula
3 spring onions, chopped (white and green parts)
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts, divided
1-2 tablespoons chile infused olive oil

Bring a large pot of salted water to a high boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions ensuring you do not overcook noodles. Using a strainer, remove pasta and add to a colander. Rinse pasta in cold water, drain and add to a large bowl. Set aside.

Stir arugula into the bowl with pasta. Add spring onions, bell pepper and garlic.
Toss with 3/4 of the vinaigrette. Chill for 1 hour.

Remove from the fridge, stir in 1/4 cup of the pine nuts and remaining vinaigrette. Taste and add sea salt and pepper to taste. Serve with the chile oil drizzled over the top and the remaining 1/4 cup pine nuts sprinkled over the salad.

Vinaigrette
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 shallot, minced
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper

Place 2/3 cup olive oil, vinegar, mustard, shallot, and a large pinch each salt and pepper in a lidded mason jar. Shake until combined.


It is "Pasta Salad" week at Food Network's Sensational Sides roundup. Do you have a favorite pasta salad recipe to share? Please list (or link) in the comments below. And be sure to check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends and Food Network.

The Mom 100: Pasta Salad with Chicken, Picholine Olives and Ramp Vinaigrette
Homemade Delish: 
Spring Orzo Salad
Devour: 
Pasta Salads That Go Beyond Mayonnaise
Napa Farmhouse 1885: 
Pasta Salad with Arugula, Bell Pepper & Spring Onion
Elephants and the Coconut Trees: 
Chicken Pasta Salad with Peanut Butter Dressing
Taste with the Eyes: 
Refreshing Rice Noodle Salad, Lime Ginger Dressing
FN Dish: 
Picnic-Ready Pasta Salads with Hundreds of Sky-High Reviews


best,
diane


I have started sharing my newest blog "California Girl in Taos."  Please visit and let me know what you think.

1 comment:

Linda said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.