20 mins
Zesty Pasta Salad
Recipe by Graham
Zesty Pasta Salad is a low-fat, zesty salad that is perfect for a light summer lunch. If you are not vegetarian and want to vary the basic recipe, you can add chunks of ham, salami or leftover cooked chicken. Alternatively, you can flake in hot-smoked salmon or smoked mackerel or you can really "go for it" by topping with crisp bacon. If you are vegetarian, sundried tomatoes, olives or roasted peppers make a nice addition.
Yorkshire Puddings with Sausages, Broccoli and Shallot Gravy 
Black pudding, King Scallop and Apples Ingredients for Zesty Pasta Salad
Currently displaying quantities in US Imperial Measurements
How to Cook Zesty Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta in boiling water as instructed on the packet (usually just a few minutes). Add the peas for the final 2 minutes cooking time. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then drain again.
- Grate the zest from the lemon and squeeze the juice into a bowl along with the olive oil and plenty of seasoning. Add the cooled pasta and peas and mix well. Cover and chill, spooning out portions as and when you want. (If you're keeping this for a little while, by days 3 and 4 you'll need to stir in a little more olive oil to loosen the pasta).
GRAHAM'S HOT TIP:
Don't overcook your pasta - "al dente" is perfect for this recipe.
Pasta is relatively dense and chewy and needs a silky-textured wine that's both delicate and rich. Pinot gris (also known as pinot grigio) matches this criteria and offers sweet apple, pear, and hints of stone fruit, brightened with citrus and mineral flavours.
Highly recommended if you can get it is 2005 Domaine Stirn Cuvée Prestige Sigolsheim. This family-owned Alsace producer has been fashioning wines in the tiny town of Sigolsheim since 1450, among them this honeysuckle-scented cuvée.
Reviews of Zesty Pasta Salad
| January 10 2015 This recipe was really good, it tasted awesome and is even better the next day! I added some leftover salami, and some leftover shredded mozz once everything had chilled. Very versatile & swap-friendly! It was tangy and salty at the perfect blend! The BF said it was better than my usual mayo-based pasta salad. PaisleyJane (1 review) |
What To Eat Tonight
Pork is a meat fit for kings. From Filet Mignon with Sage and Rosemary to Gammon with Cumberland Sauce, we can show you the whole range.
Often quick, always easy, our selection of lunch recipes will make your mouth water in anticipation. A great way to break up the day.
You need something quick or light or both. What do you do? You turn to our choice of snacks and light meals and select the one you like.
Other Pasta Recipes
Pasta Jumble is an unusual way of serving pasta. It looks very professional but is, as you will see, quite simple.
Maaki ki Roti (Corn Roti) in Punjabi stands for Maize and roti is Indian flatbread. These are prevalent during the North Indian winters.
Whether you take Pasta Salad on a picnic, in your lunchbox, or eat it at home, this is a perfect quick pasta salad - light and lip-smacking.
