Dinner date at home? Try this Italian Pasta Salad [Recipe]

We all need a dinner date here and there, even if it is with yourself, it is nice to have a relaxing evening and eat good food. That’s why we recommend you use this Italian pasta recipe and everything you already have in the kitchen.

Here’s How to Make a Gourmet Italian Pasta Dinner at Home with Simple Steps and Ingredients

The main ingredient can be what you have!

If you have any type of pasta, then use it, but if you don’t have pasta and instead only have egg noodles, these can do. Make sure you cook them al dente, but consider doing the cooking with your old stock or broth, so the noodles have more flavor.

While not ideal, canned pasta can work as well. Make sure you don’t overcook it, so simply mix the other ingredients first, taste, and serve.

Now, let’s discuss the big part, the vegetables

If you have pitted black olives, red bell peppers, and onions, then you’re in luck, since these can all be used to make a tasty Italian dish. However, if you don’t have black olives, you can use green ones, or you can switch them for capers, sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or even just simple green peas.

If you don’t have red bell peppers, consider using canned tomatoes, whichever kind you have. And onions are always part of Italian meals, but you can change them for mushrooms, broccoli, or asparagus. The truth is, the meal will be what you use for seasoning, so use as many vegetables as you want, especially those that are at risk for going bad.

Onto the seasoning!

This part is key in any Italian dish, while we recommend you use mayonnaise and Italian dressing, you can also use any dried seasonings you have instead. Maybe use dried oregano, dried thyme, dried cilantro, or marjoram.

The key is to make the flavor come through, so consider adding more salt and pepper, and even lime and olive oil if you have it. When no mayonnaise is available, use ranch dressing, or Greek yogurt.

Now, you’re ready to serve an Italian pasta dinner for two, or just for you.

Enjoy!

Italian Pasta Salad

Course: Lunch, Dinner

Servings

4

servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups (256 g) cooked pasta

• 1 can (3.25 oz or approx. 80 g) pitted black olives, drained and sliced

• 1/2 fresh dehydrated red bell pepper, diced

• 1/4 cup (32 g) coarsely chopped dehydrated tomatoes

• 2 tbsp fresh finely chopped fresh onion

• 1/2 cup (64 g) mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp prepared Italian salad dressing

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp dried basil

• 1 tbsp dried parsley

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste

Directions

• In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix them very well.
• You can add a little more mayonnaise, if desired.
• You can also adjust the seasoning to match your desired taste.
• Cover and chill for a few hours before serving.
• Enjoy!

Notes

• Tip: If you add a bit of olive oil (or another vegetable oil) to the pasta as it is cooling down, it will stop it from sticking together.