Spicy Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette | Video

Spicy pasta salad. Delight your family and friends with this vibrant salad powered with the goodness of beautiful summer veggies. A generous drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette adds a wow factor to this flavorful salad. It’s definitely a must-try!

Pasta salad is hands down one of my most favorite ways to celebrate summer. As spring is fast approaching in this part of the world, I think it’s the best way to welcome warm weather and enjoy the best produce the season has to offer.

Enter this spicy pasta salad. A vibrant combo of pasta and summer veggies with a generous drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.

Ok, first, the pasta. Choose your favorite kind of pasta. Simple as that! Easy, right? Or better yet, make your own pasta. I know, life is super busy, so let’s make this pasta salad with store bought pasta. I decided to go with small spirals, but feel free to use any kind of pasta you have on hand.

Whenever I make salads, lots and lots of fresh vegetables and herbs is a must addition for me. So I added a wide array of veggies to this spicy pasta salad including bell peppers (capsicums), cucumbers, red onions and cherry tomatoes. This salad is certainly eye-catching with all these summer colors. Make sure you use fresh veggies to bring in that added layer of deliciousness and freshness to the whole dish.

I also added a handful of parsley to this salad. I think the green pop of color is just amazing. You know, I love a generous sprinkle of herbs in every dish I make. And the final touch of red chili flakes? It just completes this spicy pasta salad.

Next up, balsamic vinaigrette to take this salad from delicious to extraordinary. I made a spiced up version of simple balsamic vinaigrette for this salad recipe. An amazing combo of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and of course, fresh parsley leaves. Place all the ingredients in a small jar, close with lid, and shake. Believe me, this vinaigrette is to die for.

Now, toss your pasta salad in a generous drizzle of this balsamic vinaigrette. I totally recommend adding the vinaigrette to the salad just before serving.

Simple. Easy. Healthy. Delicious.

 

Yield: 4

Spicy Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette | Video

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Pasta salad has never been so vibrant - thanks to the beautiful veggies. Dress it with balsamic vinaigrette to make it perfectly delicious.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

Pasta salad:

• 250 g regular or wholemeal pasta of your choice (I used small spirals)
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers (capsicum)
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1 cup sliced red onions
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut into halves
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley leaves

Balsamic vinaigrette:

• 1 tsp minced garlic (garlic paste)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp finely chopped parsley leaves
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (cumin powder)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Pasta salad:

1. Cook pasta according to packet instructions. Drain. Let it cool slightly.
2. Divide pasta among 4 serving bowls. Top with bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes and parsley leaves.

Balsamic vinaigrette:

1. Place garlic, lemon juice, parsley, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a small jar. Season with salt and pepper. Close lid tightly. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
2. Pour vinaigrette over salad. Toss.
3. Sprinkle with red chili flakes.

Notes

- Sub parsley with coriander and mint leaves if you like
- To make this salad gluten free, use gluten free pasta

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 324Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 23gCholesterol 0mgSodium 87mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 3gSugar 7gProtein 5g

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