Penne pasta with mustard sauce

Penne with mustard sauce - A delicious and quick salad

When it comes to simple yet flavorful recipes, penne with mustard sauce proves to be an excellent choice. This light salad will not only delight your taste buds but also provide a satisfying meal, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a quick snack. Here’s how to prepare this delicious recipe step by step.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 200 g penne
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 200 g chicken ham
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 teaspoons classic mustard
- 10 ml sunflower or olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Lemon juice, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the penne - Step 1
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Make sure to add a tablespoon of salt to the water to flavor the pasta. When the water is boiling, add the penne and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes, until al dente. This texture is essential for a pasta salad that doesn’t become sticky.

Draining and cooling the pasta - Step 2
Once the penne is cooked, drain it in a colander and quickly rinse it under cold running water. This step not only stops the cooking process but also helps remove excess starch, keeping the pasta less sticky.

Preparing the sauce - Step 3
In a small bowl, add the egg yolk and classic mustard. Now comes the fun part! Start incorporating the oil by pouring it slowly in a thin stream while vigorously whisking with a whisk. This process is similar to making mayonnaise, and the result should be a creamy and smooth sauce. Once the sauce is combined, taste it and add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your liking. The lemon will add a note of freshness and balance the flavors.

Adding the ingredients - Step 4
In a large bowl, combine the cooled cooked penne with diced bell peppers and sliced chicken ham. Pour the mustard sauce over the ingredients and mix well, ensuring each piece of pasta is evenly coated.

Chilling the salad - Step 5
After mixing everything, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place the salad in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This step is important as it allows the flavors to meld and makes the salad more refreshing when served.

Serving - Step 6
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge, mix again, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. This penne salad with mustard sauce is perfect alongside a refreshing drink, such as iced tea or fruit juice.

Practical tips:
1. You can add other vegetables to the salad, such as olives, cherry tomatoes, or cucumbers, to enhance its freshness.
2. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can try Dijon mustard or add a few drops of Tabasco sauce.
3. This salad can also be made with whole grain pasta for a healthier option.

Nutritional benefits:
Penne is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy throughout the day. Adding chicken ham brings essential proteins, while bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, which contribute to a healthy immune system. Mustard, besides flavor, also has antioxidant properties.

Frequently asked questions:
- What type of pasta can I use instead of penne?
You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fusilli or farfalle.
- Can I prepare the salad a day in advance?
Yes, this salad keeps well in the refrigerator and even gets tastier the next day.

Serving suggestion:
For a summer lunch, serve the penne salad with a slice of garlic toast and a fresh green salad. This will add a crunchy note and a pleasant texture to your meal.

Now that you have this delicious recipe at hand, all that’s left is to try it and enjoy its savory taste! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 200 g penne, 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 200 g chicken ham, 1 egg yolk, 3 teaspoons classic mustard, 10 ml oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, fresh parsley

 Tags:  salad paste penne mayonnaise