The 5-Minute Pasta Salad That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Do the Cha-Cha 💃🕺
The 5-Minute Pasta Salad That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Do the Cha-Cha 💃🕺
Ever had a dish so good it made you want to dance? Well, get ready to boogie because this pasta salad is about to rock your world!
And the best part? It only takes 5 minutes to throw together. That’s right, you could’ve made this dish in the time it took you to read this intro!
But wait, there’s more! This recipe has a secret ingredient that’ll knock your socks off. Intrigued? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 12-16 ounces of rigatoni pasta
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- Your favorite spicy kick (chili flakes, harissa paste, or hot sauce)
- 1 pound tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- Pecorino or parmesan cheese, coarsely grated
Instructions
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Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.
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While the pasta cooks, mix sliced onion and vinegar in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
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Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic and cook until golden.
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Toss in your spicy ingredient of choice and both fresh and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes burst.
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Add the pasta and tomato mixture to the onions. Drizzle with more olive oil and season to taste.
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Toss everything together like you’re mixing a salad for the Queen.
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Let it sit for 10 minutes, then toss again. Think of it as giving your pasta a spa day in marinade.
The Secret Ingredient That’ll Blow Your Mind
Drumroll, please! 🥁 The secret ingredient is… sun-dried tomatoes!
“But wait,” you say, “sun-dried tomatoes aren’t exactly a state secret!” True, but hear me out.
These little flavor bombs add a punch of umami that takes this dish from “Oh, that’s nice” to “Holy guacamole, what is this sorcery?!” They bring a concentrated tomato flavor that perfectly complements the fresh tomatoes, creating a symphony of tangy, sweet, and savory notes.
Plus, their chewy texture adds an interesting contrast to the al dente pasta and juicy fresh tomatoes. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!
So there you have it, folks! A pasta salad that’s quick, easy, and packs a flavor punch that’ll make your taste buds tango.
Serve it cold or at room temperature, and don’t forget to top it with a generous sprinkle of cheese. Pair it with an ice-cold beer or a chilled light red wine, and you’ve got yourself a meal fit for a king (or queen) of the kitchen!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some pasta to make and a kitchen dance party to attend. 💃🍝🕺
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.
