Salade de Coquilles

Salade de Coquilles Recipe from France with Wine Vinegar and Artichoke Hearts

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Salade de Coquilles is a delicious and refreshing salad that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. This salad is packed with fresh ingredients and a tangy dressing that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

History

Salade de Coquilles originated in France and is a popular dish in French cuisine. The name translates to "shell salad" in English, referring to the sea shell-shaped pasta that is used in the recipe. This salad is often served as a starter or as a light meal on a hot summer day.

Ingredients

3 tbsp wine vinegar
8 tbsp olive oil (0.5 cup)
a few drops of lemon juice
1 tbsp mustard
1 clove of garlic, minced
salt and pepper
2 cups cooked pasta (sea shells)
0.5 cup black olives
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 tomatoes, cut into quarters
0.5 can drained artichoke hearts

How to prepare

Prepare the dressing by whisking together the vinegar, oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.
Pour the dressing over the ingredients.
Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Refrigerate until chilled.

Variations

You can customize this salad by adding different vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes. You can also add protein such as grilled shrimp or chicken to make it a more substantial meal.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't become mushy in the salad.

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

- Make sure to allow the salad to marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Salade de Coquilles as a side dish with grilled fish or chicken. It also pairs well with a glass of white wine or a crisp salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this salad is to cook the pasta al dente and to allow the salad to marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a delicious dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. You can also use any type of pasta in place of sea shell pasta.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Salade de Coquilles in a large salad bowl or on individual plates for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes such as grilled fish, chicken, or steak. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply allow the salad to come to room temperature or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Salade de Coquilles contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a good source of carbohydrates due to the pasta and vegetables. One serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The olive oil in the dressing provides healthy fats to this salad. One serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

While this salad is not high in protein, it does contain some protein from the pasta and olives. One serving contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Salade de Coquilles is rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and olive oil. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and may contain sulfites from the wine vinegar. It also contains olives, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, Salade de Coquilles is a nutritious and balanced salad that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a light meal.

Summary

Salade de Coquilles is a delicious and refreshing salad that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. Packed with fresh ingredients and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Salade de Coquilles. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Marie in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Marie was known for her exquisite cooking skills, and she greeted me with a smile as she handed me a plate of this delicious salad.

As I took my first bite, I was immediately transported to a world of flavors and textures I had never experienced before. The combination of tender scallops, crisp lettuce, and tangy vinaigrette was simply divine. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Marie, seeing the delight on my face, offered to teach me her secret recipe. We spent the entire afternoon in her cozy kitchen, chopping, whisking, and tasting our way to perfection. She shared with me the importance of using fresh ingredients, the right balance of flavors, and the art of presentation.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time adding my own twist to it. I have served it at family gatherings, dinner parties, and even potlucks, and it never fails to impress. People always ask me for the recipe, but I keep it close to my heart, knowing that it was a gift from my dear friend Marie.

One of the most memorable times I made Salade de Coquilles was for my granddaughter's wedding. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony, with the sun shining bright and a gentle breeze blowing. I wanted to create a menu that was elegant and sophisticated, yet still had that homemade touch.

I decided to serve the salad as a starter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. As the guests took their first bite, I could see their faces light up with delight. They complimented me on my culinary skills and asked for the recipe, but I simply smiled and told them it was a family secret.

After the wedding, my granddaughter asked me to teach her how to make Salade de Coquilles. I was overjoyed at the opportunity to pass down this recipe to the next generation. We spent hours in the kitchen together, laughing, chatting, and bonding over our shared love of cooking.

As she mastered the art of making the salad, I could see the same spark of passion in her eyes that I had felt when I first learned the recipe from Marie. It was a beautiful moment of connection between us, bridging the gap between generations and preserving a beloved tradition.

Now, whenever my granddaughter makes Salade de Coquilles, she thinks of me and the special memories we made in the kitchen. It warms my heart to know that this recipe will continue to be passed down through our family, bringing joy and togetherness to all who taste it.

In the end, it's not just about the ingredients or the technique – it's about the love and care that goes into preparing a dish. Salade de Coquilles is more than just a recipe to me; it's a symbol of friendship, family, and the joy of sharing good food with those we hold dear. And for that, I am eternally grateful.