Pasta salad

Pasta salad

30 min
Long live the pasta salad! With its bright colours, fresh ingredients, and creamy texture, this easy pasta salad is the perfect way to elevate your summer menu. Grab your favourite pasta type, mix in some colourful vegetables, and top it off with fresh basil and crispy bacon – and get ready to savour every bite.
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Instructions

  • Bring salted water to a boil in a pot. Cook the pasta for 11-12 minutes until it is tender but not soft. Set aside 50 ml of the cooking water and let the pasta drain in a sieve.
  • Stir the cream cheese with the cooking water in a pot until the cheese has melted.
  • Combine the drained pasta with cheese, vegetables, basil (save some for garnish), salt, and pepper. Season to taste and let it sit covered on the countertop for about 15 minutes.
  • In the meantime, place the bacon slices on a cold pan and fry them for 2 minutes at high heat and then at medium heat until they are golden and crispy.
  • Let the bacon drain on a piece of kitchen paper before breaking it into smaller pieces.
  • Place the pasta salad in a bowl. Sprinkle the bacon on top, garnish with basil, and serve the salad alongside warm naan.
Enjoy!
Tips

Prepare the salad a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Not only does this save time, but it also allows the flavours to meld together and intensify.

Tips

Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent any odours from transferring. If you are taking it to a picnic or an outdoor event, be sure to keep it chilled in a cooler with ice packs or store it in a shaded area to prevent spoilage.

Tips

Cook the pasta al dente, which means that it is cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the salad and affect the texture and overall presentation of the dish.

Questions about pasta salad

Pasta salads are as versatile as they are delicious. But with so many ingredients and flavour combinations to choose from, it can be challenging to find out where to start. Continue reading below to find out everything you need to know about this popular dish.

How to make pasta salad?
Begin by boiling the pasta until tender but not soft. Save some of the cooking water to mix with cream cheese to make it melt. Combine the drained pasta with cheese, vegetables such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and sweetcorn, basil, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with fried bacon and fresh basil before serving.
What to put in pasta salad?
The ingredients can vary greatly depending on the recipe. Our cold pasta salad recipe is made with red bell peppers, red and yellow cherry tomatoes, corn, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. For added flavour, we have sprinkled crispy bacon on top. Combined, these ingredients provide a colourful and flavourful dish perfect for any occasion.
Is pasta salad a side or main dish?
Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be served as either a side or a main dish. When served as a side, it often accompanies grilled meats, sandwiches, or other main courses by providing a light, refreshing contrast with its mix of vegetables and herbs. However, brimming with these scrumptious ingredients, it can also be savoured as a main course, as a more generous portion will ensure a more filling meal. This flexibility makes it a popular choice for picnics, potlucks, and everyday meals.
What to serve with pasta salad?
When deciding what to serve with pasta salad, naan is an excellent choice. The bread's soft, warm, and slightly chewy texture pairs beautifully with the cool, refreshing dish. The mild, slightly tangy flavour of naan complements the vibrant and varied flavours, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Pasta salad:
Water
2 l
Coarse salt
2 tsp
Dried wholegrain pasta, e.g., fusilli
250 g
Cream cheese, onion and herbs, light
200 g
Diced red bell pepper (approx. 300 g)
2
Red and yellow cherry tomatoes cut in half
250 g
Defrosted frozen sweetcorn
250 g
Shredded fresh basil
1 dl
Coarse salt
½ tsp
Freshly ground pepper
Bacon slices (approx. 250 g)
16
Serve with
Warm naan bread, optionally wholegrain
200 g
Other recipes
See more

Try our easy recipe for creamy pasta salad

Discover the delightful flavours of our summer pasta salad, featuring colourful vegetables, aromatic herbs, and crispy bacon. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that is not only delicious but also brings a touch of sunshine to your table. It is the perfect dish for picnics, barbecues, or just a quiet evening in the garden. Do not be surprised if this scrumptious dish becomes a regular fixture at your gatherings, as the tantalising flavours and satisfying creaminess are sure to make it a crowd-pleaser.

Pasta salad with cream cheese

Adding cream cheese to your pasta salad is a real game-changer, especially when you opt for a piquant variety. This not-so-secret ingredient will transform your ordinary pasta salad into an irresistible culinary delight, leaving your guests in awe of your kitchen skills. Just imagine the rich, velvety cream cheese with its tangy and aromatic notes enveloping your favourite pasta shapes. Mixed with vibrant vegetables and herbs, it creates a sonata of flavours that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The piquant cream cheese not only adds a delightful creaminess to the dish but also introduces a subtle kick that elevates the overall taste experience, making it truly unforgettable.

A cold pasta salad for the warm summer days

Our pasta salad with bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and corn is an absolute must-try for those sweltering summer days when you crave something simple yet satisfying. This versatile dish is suited for both lunch and dinner, making it a go-to option for busy days or relaxed picnics by the beach. Bursting with a rainbow of colours and an array of textures, it is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Treat yourself to the vibrant flavours and refreshing crunch of this delightful pasta salad with corn and enjoy every blissful bite.

Top off with fresh basil and crunchy bacon

Give your pasta salad a flavourful twist by adding fresh basil and crispy bacon on top. The aromatic freshness of basil, with its sweet and slightly peppery notes, pairs wonderfully with the smoky, crunchy goodness of bacon, creating a delectable combination that will send your taste buds soaring. This pasta salad with basil and bacon is an indulgence that will captivate even the most discerning palates, as it showcases the perfect harmony of refreshing herbs and savoury, crispy meat.

Serve with warm naan bread

Accompany your delicious creation with warm, fluffy naan. It is a delightful way to make your meal more filling. The soft, fluffy naan with its delicate, slightly tangy taste, complements the cool, refreshing salad perfectly. As you savour each bite, the contrast of the chewy naan and the crisp vegetables creates a harmony of textures. Enjoy the comforting warmth of naan alongside your vibrant pasta salad with bacon.

In need of inspiration for other summer dishes? Why not serve a delicious quiche? We have several options to try, for example, a spinach quiche or a cheese quiche. You can also go for a classic sandwich – maybe a chicken sandwich or a pulled pork sandwich.

Ideas for adjusting the recipe

Experimenting with different ingredients and flavours can lead to some fantastic new dishes. Do not be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and explore new combinations and add your own touch. From adding different fruits and vegetables to swapping out pasta types, the possibilities are endless. With a little imagination, you can create an array of variations.

Pasta salad with chicken

A simple way to add extra flavour and make it more filling is by incorporating chicken. Whether you choose to use grilled, roasted, or poached chicken, the tender and juicy meat will complement the pasta and vegetables beautifully. You can also experiment with different seasonings and marinades to bring out the best in the chicken, adding a touch of smokiness, spiciness, or even a hint of sweetness.

Add your favourite summery vegetables

To create a truly seasonal dish, consider adding some of your favourite summery vegetables. An asparagus pasta salad, for example, showcases the bright, fresh flavours of this tender, green vegetable. You can also add sweet peas to the mix, which bring a subtle sweetness that complements the creaminess of the cream cheese. Mix and match different vegetables to create a vibrant dish that celebrates the best of summer produce.

Pasta salad with fruit

If you want to give the dish a tasty twist, consider adding fruit for a burst of sweetness and a touch of the exotic. A pasta salad with mango introduces a delightful tropical flavour, while a pasta salad with pineapple adds a tangy, sweet note that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the melted cream cheese. Green olives can also be added for a savoury contrast, providing a salty and slightly briny balance to the sweetness of the fruit. This combination of ingredients will create a refreshing and unexpected dish that is sure to impress.

Try replacing the pasta type

The choice of pasta can impact the overall texture and appearance of your dish. Bow tie pasta (farfalle), fusilli, and elbow macaroni all offer different shapes and textures. When selecting the pasta type, consider how well it will cling to the melted cream cheese. For instance, fusilli, with its spiral shape, is particularly well-suited for holding onto the creamy ‘dressing’, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavour. Feel free to experiment with different types and shapes to find the one that best suits your preference.

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