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Angel Hair Pasta Salad

Angel Hair Pasta Salad
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Angel Hair Pasta Salad is a fresh, fast, and flavorful dish that combines delicate angel hair pasta with vibrant vegetables and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for busy days, picnics, or light meals, this salad offers a crisp, refreshing taste with endless customization options to suit any palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 4 ounces angel hair pasta

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional

  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Cook the Angel Hair Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the angel hair pasta. Cook until just al dente—about 2 to 3 minutes—to keep the strands tender but not mushy. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep the noodles cool and separated for your salad.
  2. Prepare the Fresh Vegetables: While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop fresh basil leaves. These fresh ingredients bring vibrant flavor and crunch that contrast beautifully with the tender pasta.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined. This simple dressing ties all the ingredients together with a refreshing zing without overwhelming the delicate pasta.
  4. Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled angel hair pasta with the prepared vegetables and dressing. Add grated Parmesan cheese if using. Toss just enough to evenly coat everything without breaking the fragile pasta strands.
  5. Chill and Serve: For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving. This rest time allows the flavors to meld, giving you that delightful burst with every bite.

Notes

  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: Avoid overcooking angel hair pasta to prevent mushiness in your salad.
  • Rinse Pasta Thoroughly: Cooling noodles under cold water stops cooking and helps maintain separation.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: The crispness of veggies and fresh herbs truly makes the salad pop.
  • Dress Lightly: Add dressing gradually to avoid overwhelming the pasta’s delicate texture.
  • Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad rest amps up the flavors and offers a refreshing experience.

Nutrition

Keywords: angel hair pasta salad, pasta salad, summer salad, quick pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/angel-hair-pasta-salad/