Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup Caprino degli Alburni cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, Caprino degli Alburni cheese, and fresh basil to the bowl. Toss everything together until well combined.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy!
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve chilled
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Substitute any short pasta shape for the fusilli pasta.
- Substitute feta cheese for the Caprino degli Alburni cheese.
- Substitute any type of vinegar for the red wine vinegar.
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
- Use different herbs, such as parsley or oregano, instead of basil.
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent it from sticking together.
- Use a whisk to emulsify the dressing ingredients for a smooth consistency.
- Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This pasta salad is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, you can microwave it for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta salad in a large bowl or on a platter for a family-style presentation.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or crumbled Caprino degli Alburni cheese.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Crumbled Caprino degli Alburni cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Grilled vegetables
- Mixed greens salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta salad seems dry, add more dressing or a drizzle of olive oil to moisten it up.
Food safety advice:
- Store any leftover pasta salad in the refrigerator and discard after 3 days.
Food history:
- Caprino degli Alburni is a type of goat cheese produced in the Cilento region of southern Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- This pasta salad is tangy, savory, and slightly sweet with a creamy texture from the Caprino degli Alburni cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this pasta salad as a main dish or as a side dish at a summer barbecue or picnic.
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Region: Italian