Amish Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups (200g) uncooked pasta 2 cups (200g) uncooked pasta
• 1 cup (150g) bell peppers, diced 1 cup (150g) bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup (150g) cucumbers, diced 1 cup (150g) cucumbers, diced
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (75g) red onions, thinly sliced 1/2 cup (75g) red onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (30g) fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (30g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) white vinegar 2 tablespoons (30ml) white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and fresh parsley.
3. 3.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. 4.
   Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. 5.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pasta — Cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite and doesn't become mushy in the salad.
• Bell peppers — Use a combination of different colored bell peppers to add visual appeal to the dish.
• Cucumbers — Remove the seeds from the cucumbers before dicing to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
• Cherry tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful cherry tomatoes for the best taste.
• Fresh parsley — Chop the parsley just before adding it to the salad to retain its vibrant color and fresh flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing.
• Customize the salad by adding other vegetables like corn, peas, or shredded carrots.
• For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of sour cream to the dressing.
• Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to enhance the flavors.
• Garnish the salad with some additional fresh herbs, such as dill or basil, for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Amish Pasta Salad chilled as a side dish alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light lunch option. It pairs well with crusty bread or as a refreshing accompaniment to a summer barbecue.

Presentation advice

Present the Amish Pasta Salad in a large serving bowl or platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will make the dish visually appealing. Consider serving it on a wooden board or with colorful salad utensils to enhance the presentation.