Imagine twirling your fork into a bowl of Angel Hair Pasta Salad, where each strand dances with vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette that sings summer. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses as you prepare to dive into this delightful dish. spinach and feta patties refreshing salad pairing It’s a symphony of textures—soft pasta meets crunchy veggies, creating a harmonious explosion of flavor that awakens your taste buds. For more inspiration, check out this Delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What vegetables work best in angel hair pasta salad?
- Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
- How do I keep my pasta from sticking together?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. I remember my first picnic with friends, where this Angel Hair Pasta Salad stole the show. As we lounged on the grass under a warm sun, laughter echoed around us, and every bite reminded me why cooking brings people together. flavorful coleslaw recipe It’s perfect for any occasion—picnics, potlucks, or simply when you crave something fresh and delicious.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Angel Hair Pasta Salad is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Its refreshing flavors burst in your mouth, providing a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes
- The colorful ingredients create an eye-catching presentation that impresses at any gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins!
Sharing this dish always leads to compliments and smiles from my family and friends.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Angel Hair Pasta: This fine pasta cooks quickly and soaks up flavors beautifully; just be careful not to overcook it.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Look for plump, vibrant tomatoes; they add sweetness and color to the salad.
- Cucumber: Choose firm cucumbers for crunch; they bring freshness that balances the richness of the pasta.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp bite; soak them in cold water briefly to mellow their flavor if desired.
- Fresh Basil: Fragrant basil leaves elevate the salad with an aromatic touch; use fresh for the best flavor.
- Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances all flavors; don’t skimp on this ingredient.
- Red Wine Vinegar: This tangy vinegar brings acidity that brightens the entire dish; feel free to adjust the amount to taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all flavors; adjust according to your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add Angel Hair pasta and cook for about 3-4 minutes until al dente—be sure not to overcook it because no one likes mushy pasta!
Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop cherry tomatoes in half and dice cucumber into small pieces. Slice red onion thinly for maximum flavor impact—your kitchen will smell fantastic during this process!
Mix Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and red wine vinegar until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste—this dressing is where all your flavor magic happens.
Toss Everything Together: Drain your cooked pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking immediately. In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta with chopped veggies and drizzle dressing on top. Toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
Add Fresh Herbs: Tear fresh basil leaves by hand (or chop if preferred) and fold them into the salad last—this keeps their vibrant color intact while adding aromatic depth.
Chill and Serve!: Let your salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those lovely flavors to meld together perfectly—trust me; patience pays off here!
Now you’re ready to impress everyone with your amazing Angel Hair Pasta Salad! Enjoy every bite as you reminisce about sunny days spent with laughter around good food!
You Must Know
- This delightful angel hair pasta salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks
- It’s quick to prepare and can easily adapt to your taste preferences
- The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients also make it a feast for the eyes, not just the stomach
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling salted water for the pasta while chopping your veggies. Cook the angel hair until al dente, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking. This ensures perfect texture and prevents stickiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas. Experiment with different dressings too; a zesty lemon vinaigrette can add a refreshing twist. zesty hummus recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store angel hair pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy it cold straight from the fridge; reheating isn’t necessary.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously; it enhances flavor right from the start
- Use fresh herbs for a burst of flavor that dried herbs simply can’t match
- Remember, tossing the salad right before serving keeps everything crisp and fresh!
I remember the first time I made this angel hair pasta salad for a family gathering. Everyone loved it, and now it’s a staple at every summer barbecue.
FAQ
What vegetables work best in angel hair pasta salad?
For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives are fantastic additions.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better if made a few hours in advance to let flavors meld.
How do I keep my pasta from sticking together?
Rinse cooked pasta under cold water immediately after draining to prevent sticking.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Angel Hair Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this Angel Hair Pasta Salad, featuring tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics or potlucks, this quick and easy recipe is sure to impress guests and family alike.
Ingredients
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- While the pasta cooks, chop cherry tomatoes and cucumber. Thinly slice red onion.
- Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with veggies and drizzle dressing over the top. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Fold in fresh basil just before serving for maximum flavor.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
