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Angel Hair Pasta Salad

Angel Hair Pasta Salad
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Angel Hair Pasta Salad is a fresh, light, and easy-to-make dish that combines delicate angel hair pasta with vibrant vegetables, tangy lemon-olive oil dressing, and optional Parmesan cheese. Perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or as a refreshing side, this versatile salad is healthy, colorful, and customizable to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 100g angel hair pasta (about 3.5 oz)

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Angel Hair Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop fresh basil leaves to add crunch and vibrant flavor.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to balance acidity and richness.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and fresh basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, if using, over the salad and give a final light toss. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness; angel hair pasta cooks very quickly.
  • Adding a splash of reserved pasta water to the dressing helps it cling better to the pasta.
  • Chill the salad at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor fusion.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil for maximum aromatic flavor.
  • Adjust salt and lemon juice based on taste and ingredient freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: angel hair pasta salad, pasta salad, quick pasta recipe, light salad, Italian pasta salad, easy lunch, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/angel-hair-pasta-salad/