Confetti Plum (Pluot) Pasta Salad

Vegan Confetti Plum Pasta Salad Recipe - Healthy and Flavorful

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

This Confetti Plum (Pluot) Pasta Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light and refreshing meal. The combination of sweet pluots, crunchy jicama, and tangy dressing creates a delicious and satisfying salad that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe was inspired by the abundance of pluots available during the summer months. Pluots are a hybrid fruit that is a cross between a plum and an apricot, resulting in a sweet and juicy fruit that is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to salads. The addition of jicama, red bell pepper, and red onion adds a variety of textures and flavors to this dish, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) corkscrew pasta
0.5 medium red bell pepper, cut into strips
0.75 cup peeled and diced jícama
0.5 cup chopped red onion
8 pluots, sliced
2 tbsp diced pimento
1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
3 tbsp rice or white wine vinegar
1 tbsp vegetable oil
0.13 tsp salt
0.13 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water. Drain again. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, red and yellow bell peppers, jicama, onion, and pluots.
In a small bowl, whisk together the basil, pimento, ginger, vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper until well blended. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.

Variations

Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Substitute the pluots with peaches or nectarines for a different flavor profile.
Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy and tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.

- You can customize this salad by adding your favorite vegetables or protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp.

- For a creamier dressing, you can add a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the dressing mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.

- Toss the salad gently to avoid crushing the pluots and other ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the jicama with cucumber or celery for a similar crunch.

- Use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or bowtie pasta.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to toss it again before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a pop of color. - Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- This salad is best served cold, so do not reheat it before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 9g

Fats

- Total Fat: 3g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 60%

- Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 6%

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and nut-free.

Summary

This Confetti Plum (Pluot) Pasta Salad is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in fat and calories. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

This Confetti Plum (Pluot) Pasta Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light and refreshing meal. Packed with fresh ingredients and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Confetti Plum Pasta Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Marjorie in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Marjorie was known for her creative and delicious dishes, and I always looked forward to trying something new whenever I visited her.

On this particular day, Marjorie greeted me with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I have a special treat for you today, my dear," she said, leading me to the kitchen. As we walked, I could smell the fragrant aroma of herbs and spices wafting through the air. My mouth watered in anticipation.

Marjorie opened her recipe book and showed me a picture of a colorful pasta salad with plums, tomatoes, and herbs. "This is my Confetti Plum Pasta Salad," she explained. "It's a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for a summer day like today."

I watched as Marjorie expertly chopped the plums and tomatoes, mixing them with cooked pasta and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients made my taste buds tingle with excitement. I couldn't wait to try a bite.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first forkful of the Confetti Plum Pasta Salad. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the sweet plums, the juicy tomatoes, the zesty dressing. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my palate. I couldn't get enough.

After finishing our meal, I asked Marjorie for the recipe. She smiled and said, "I learned this recipe from my dear friend Isabella, who used to live in Italy. She taught me the secret to making a truly unforgettable pasta salad – using the freshest ingredients and lots of love."

From that day on, Confetti Plum Pasta Salad became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I put my own twist on the recipe, adding my favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavors even more. I experimented with different types of pasta and even tried substituting pluots for plums to give the dish a unique twist.

One summer, I hosted a garden party for my friends and decided to serve my Confetti Plum Pasta Salad as the main dish. The sun was shining, the flowers were in full bloom, and the laughter of my guests filled the air. It was a perfect day for a delicious meal.

As my friends took their first bites of the pasta salad, their faces lit up with delight. They marveled at the combination of flavors and textures, the burst of sweetness from the pluots, and the crunch of the fresh vegetables. It was a hit, just as I knew it would be.

One of my friends, a young chef named Alex, pulled me aside and said, "Your Confetti Plum Pasta Salad is a masterpiece. I would love to feature it on my menu at the restaurant where I work. It's too good to keep to yourself."

I was flattered by his offer and agreed to let him showcase my recipe at his restaurant. The dish quickly became a customer favorite, with people coming from near and far to taste the unique and flavorful pasta salad that I had created.

As the years went by, I continued to make my Confetti Plum Pasta Salad for special occasions and gatherings. It became a beloved tradition in my family, a dish that brought us together and reminded us of the joy of good food and good company.

And every time I took a bite of the pasta salad, I was transported back to that warm summer day at Marjorie's cottage by the sea, where I first discovered the magic of Confetti Plum Pasta Salad. It was a recipe that had brought me joy, friendship, and a love for cooking that would last a lifetime.