Corn 'n' Peas Pasta Salad
Corn 'n' Peas Pasta Salad Recipe - Delicious and Healthy Recipe
Introduction
Corn 'n' Peas Pasta Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal. This salad is packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich peas, and flavorful dressing that will tantalize your taste buds.
History
This recipe is a modern twist on traditional pasta salad, incorporating the sweetness of corn and peas with the tangy flavors of salsa and vinegar dressing. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini
- 1 cup plum tomatoes, chopped and seeded
- 6 green onions, thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
- 15 oz (425 g) peas, cooked
- 15 oz (425 g) black-eyed peas, cooked
- 11 oz (312 g) corn, cooked
- 2 oz (57 g) olives, sliced
Dressing
- 0.5 cup salsa
- 0.25 cup oil and vinegar dressing
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sugar
How to prepare
- Cook the pasta until it is *al dente*.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and all the remaining salad ingredients; toss lightly.
- In a small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients and mix well.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- To serve, line a serving platter or bowl with lettuce leaves.
- Spoon the salad over the lettuce leaves and top with cilantro.
Variations
- Add diced avocado for a creamy texture and extra flavor.
- Substitute black beans for the black-eyed peas for a different twist on the recipe.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as bowtie or penne, for a unique presentation.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the pasta until it is *al dente* to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
- Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
- For added flavor, you can roast the corn and bell pepper before adding them to the salad.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to suit your taste - you can always add more or less according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This salad can be served as a side dish at a barbecue or picnic, or as a light lunch or dinner option. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, and can also be enjoyed on its own.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions for the best results.
- When cooking the peas and corn, be careful not to overcook them to maintain their texture and flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use frozen peas and corn if fresh is not available.
- Substitute red onion for the green onions for a different flavor profile.
- Use your favorite type of olives in place of the sliced olives.
Make Ahead Tips
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to toss it with the dressing right before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Presentation Ideas
Serve this salad in a large bowl or on a platter lined with lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
This Corn 'n' Peas Pasta Salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water with a splash of lime.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds until warmed through, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this Corn 'n' Peas Pasta Salad contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal option.
Carbohydrates
This Corn 'n' Peas Pasta Salad is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body. The pasta, corn, peas, and black-eyed peas all contribute to the carbohydrate content of this dish.
Fats
The olives in this salad provide healthy fats, while the dressing adds a small amount of fat as well. Overall, this dish is relatively low in fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their fat intake.
Proteins
The peas and black-eyed peas in this salad are excellent sources of plant-based protein. They provide essential amino acids that are necessary for muscle repair and growth.
Vitamins and minerals
This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of vegetables it contains. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, while bell peppers provide vitamin A. Peas and black-eyed peas are also rich in iron and folate.
Alergens
This recipe contains gluten from the pasta, and may also contain allergens such as soy in the salsa and vinegar dressing. Be sure to check the labels of your ingredients if you have any food allergies.
Summary
Overall, this Corn 'n' Peas Pasta Salad is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for a light and refreshing meal.
Summary
Corn 'n' Peas Pasta Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for summer meals or as a side dish at a barbecue. Packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich peas, and a flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Corn 'n' Peas Pasta Salad. It was a hot summer day and I was attending a potluck picnic with some of my closest friends. As I was preparing my dish to bring, I realized I didn't have many ingredients on hand. I needed something quick and easy to make, but also delicious and refreshing for the summer heat.
I rummaged through my pantry and found a box of pasta, a can of corn, and a bag of frozen peas. I knew I could work with these ingredients to create something tasty. I also found some fresh herbs and a bottle of Italian dressing in the fridge, which would add a nice flavor to the dish.
As I boiled the pasta and mixed in the corn and peas, I realized I needed something to tie it all together. That's when I remembered a recipe I had seen in a magazine years ago for a pasta salad with a creamy dressing. I dug through my recipe box and found the torn-out page with the recipe on it. It called for a simple mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and a few spices to create a creamy dressing to coat the pasta salad.
I followed the recipe, tweaking it a bit to suit my tastes and the ingredients I had on hand. I added some chopped red onion and bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor. The end result was a colorful and flavorful pasta salad that was a hit at the picnic.
My friends raved about the dish and begged me for the recipe. I happily shared it with them, knowing that it was a simple and versatile dish that could be easily customized to suit anyone's tastes. From that day on, Corn 'n' Peas Pasta Salad became a staple in my summer cooking repertoire.
Over the years, I have made this dish countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and picnics. Each time, I play around with the ingredients, adding in different vegetables or herbs to change up the flavor profile. Sometimes I even swap out the pasta for quinoa or couscous for a different twist.
I have also shared this recipe with many friends and family members who have all fallen in love with it. It has become a beloved dish in our circle, and I am always happy to whip up a batch whenever there is a gathering.
One of my fondest memories involving this recipe is when my grandchildren came to visit one summer. They were picky eaters, but I knew they loved pasta. I decided to make them a batch of Corn 'n' Peas Pasta Salad, hoping they would enjoy it.
To my delight, they devoured the dish and asked for seconds. They even asked me to teach them how to make it so they could recreate it at home. I spent a wonderful afternoon in the kitchen with my grandchildren, showing them how to boil pasta, mix the dressing, and chop the vegetables. It was a special bonding experience that I will always treasure.
As I sit here now, reminiscing about the countless times I have made this dish and the joy it has brought to so many people, I am filled with gratitude. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and sharing recipes like Corn 'n' Peas Pasta Salad with others has allowed me to spread that joy and love for food.
I hope that this recipe will continue to be passed down through the generations, bringing happiness and delicious meals to many more families in the years to come. Cooking is not just about nourishing our bodies, but also our souls, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share that with others through dishes like this one.
Categories
| Black Olive Recipes | Black-eyed Pea Recipes | Cilantro Recipes | Corn Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Lettuce Recipes | Lime Juice Recipes | Pasta Salad Recipes | Pea Recipes | Plum Tomato Recipes | Prepared Salad Dressing Recipes | Prepared Salsa Recipes | Red Bell Pepper Recipes | Rotini Recipes |