Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta

Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta Recipe - Authentic Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta, also known as Pasta Elbow Salad, is a refreshing and creamy pasta salad that is perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue. This dish is packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

History

Pasta salads have been a popular dish for many years, with variations found in different cuisines around the world. The combination of pasta, vegetables, and a creamy dressing is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed by many generations.

Ingredients

16 oz (454 g) of Dreamfields elbows (one box)
1 cup of light sour cream
0.5 cup of low-fat mayonnaise
0.5 cup of chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp of lemon juice
0.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of pepper
0.5 cup of chopped green onion
1 cup of cucumber, diced 0.5 inch
1 cup of broccoli floret tops
0.25 cup of chopped carrot

How to prepare

Prepare the pasta according to the package directions.
Rinse the pasta under cold water and drain it well.
In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Mix the dressing with the vegetables.
Add the pasta and gently toss it with the other ingredients until well coated.
Refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour before serving.

Variations

Add in cooked shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
Swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from sticking together.

- Refrigerating the salad for at least one hour before serving allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste of the dish.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this recipe to suit your preferences. You can add in bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or olives for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also makes a great addition to a buffet spread or potluck.

Cooking Techniques

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

- When mixing the dressing with the vegetables, be gentle to avoid crushing the vegetables and maintain their texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular mayonnaise instead of low-fat mayonnaise for a creamier dressing.

- Feel free to swap out the vegetables in this recipe for your favorites, such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or olives.

Make Ahead Tips

Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with some extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative bowl or platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This pasta salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta 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.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the parsley and lemon juice, as well as vitamin A from the carrots and broccoli.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream and mayonnaise) and wheat (pasta), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta is a balanced dish that provides carbohydrates for energy, fats for satiety, and proteins for muscle repair and growth. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.

Summary

Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta is a delicious and nutritious pasta salad that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen in the heart of Tuscany. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most wonderful aroma of fresh herbs and garlic wafting through the air.

Maria was busy at work, chopping vegetables and boiling pasta on the stove. She had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she handed me a glass of chilled white wine and said, "I have a special recipe to share with you today, my dear. It's a family favorite - Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta."

I watched in awe as Maria effortlessly tossed together cooked pasta elbows with a medley of colorful vegetables, olives, and feta cheese in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The dish was not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavors and textures that danced on my tongue.

As I devoured the delicious salad, Maria shared with me the story behind the recipe. She explained that Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta was a traditional dish passed down through generations in her family. Each ingredient was carefully selected and lovingly prepared, making it a true labor of love.

I was immediately enamored with the recipe and begged Maria to teach me how to make it. She smiled knowingly and agreed, saying that she would be honored to pass on the family secret to me.

Over the next few days, Maria patiently guided me through the steps of making Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta. We shopped for the freshest ingredients at the local market, including ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant basil. Maria taught me how to cook the pasta to al dente perfection and how to chop the vegetables with precision.

But the most important lesson Maria imparted to me was the importance of cooking with love and passion. She explained that each dish tells a story and carries the essence of the person who prepares it. As we worked side by side in the kitchen, I could feel the warmth and energy of Maria's family history infusing the dish with a special magic.

Finally, after hours of chopping, stirring, and tasting, the Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta was ready. Maria and I sat down to enjoy our creation, savoring each bite and reminiscing about our time together in the kitchen.

As I bid farewell to Maria and returned home, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. I continued to make Insalata di Gomiti di Pasta for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always sharing the story of how I learned to make it from my dear friend Maria in Tuscany.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen preparing the dish once again, I can't help but smile at the memories it evokes. The aroma of fresh herbs and garlic fills the air, transporting me back to that warm summer day with Maria. And as I take a bite of the delicious salad, I can feel her presence beside me, guiding my hand and filling my heart with love.