Perfect Pasta Salad

When it comes to light and refreshing dishes that are perfect for summer, a pasta salad is hard to beat. Imagine a bowl brimming with vibrant colours and fresh flavours, the kind that draws your eyes and whets your appetite even before the first bite. Let’s walk through the creation of the perfect pasta salad, featuring multicoloured pasta twirls, crisp broccoli, juicy tomatoes, briny black olives, and succulent diced meat.

Furthermore, dressing is so simple but brings everything together. Indeed I have also used this dressing in other pasta dishes and it has gone down successfully.

Ingredients:

– 250g multicoloured pasta twirls

– 150g broccoli florets

– 200g cherry tomatoes, halved

– 100g black olives, sliced

– 150g diced cooked chicken or ham

– 50g red onion, finely chopped (optional)

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

– 1 clove garlic, minced

– 3 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the multicoloured pasta twirls in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. The vibrant colours will add an appealing visual element to your salad. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to keep their bright green colour and crisp texture. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the black olives.

Mix the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and diced meat. If using, add finely chopped red onion for an extra layer of flavour.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is well coated. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of elegance and a burst of fresh flavour.

This pasta salad is a delightful combination of textures and tastes: the al dente pasta, the crunchy broccoli, the sweet tomatoes, the salty olives, and the savoury meat all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side, making it a perfect addition to any summer gathering. Enjoy!