Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad with Vegetables and Ham - An Explosion of Flavors

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

I invite you to discover a simple and quick pasta salad recipe, perfect for warm days or a delicious dinner! This salad is not only nutritious but also colorful and flavorful, ideal for impressing guests.

Ingredients:
- 200 g pasta (preferably penne or fusilli)
- 1 can of corn (about 300 g)
- 150 g ham (preferably smoked)
- 1 medium red onion
- 3-4 cherry tomatoes
- A handful of green salad (frisée or mixed)
- 6-8 baby carrots
- 1 orange bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Rosemary (fresh or dried)
- 1 lemon for dressing

Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Juice from 1 large lemon
- 1 packet of Delikat Knorr Mediterranean

Step by Step:

1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, add salted water and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Make sure the pasta is al dente for a pleasant texture.

2. Prepare the vegetables: In another pot, add the baby carrots and let them boil for 15-20 minutes until tender. Check them with a fork to ensure they are ready. After boiling, drain and let them cool slightly.

3. Chop the ingredients: While the pasta and carrots are boiling, cut the ham into small cubes, the red onion into thin strips (julienne), and the peppers into cubes. The cherry tomatoes can be halved or diced. The green salad should be washed and dried well, then chopped.

4. Sauté the carrots: In a skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and, once heated, add the boiled carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, adding a pinch of rosemary to enhance the flavor. After they are slightly browned, remove from the skillet and set aside.

5. Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine the drained and cooled pasta, the chopped vegetables (ham, onion, peppers, tomatoes, and green salad), and the sautéed carrots. Add the drained corn from the can.

6. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, and the packet of Delikat Mediterranean. You can adjust the amount of oil and lemon based on how tangy or mild you want the dressing to be.

7. Finalize the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serving: The salad can be served immediately, but it is even better after sitting in the refrigerator for an hour for the flavors to meld. For an extra splash of color, you can sprinkle some fresh basil leaves or strips of black olives on top.

Practical Tips:
- Experiment with the types of pasta used; whole grain or gluten-free pasta can add a unique touch.
- Replace the ham with boiled chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add feta cheese or mozzarella for extra creaminess and flavor.

This pasta salad with vegetables and ham is not only a healthy choice but also a versatile dish, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 200 g of pasta, 1 can of corn, 150 g of ham, 1 red onion, 3-4 cherry tomatoes, some green lettuce, 6-8 baby carrots, 1 orange bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, salt, pepper, olive oil, rosemary, and a lemon for dressing. Dressing: 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 larger lemon, 1 packet of Delikat Knorr Mediterranean.

 Tags:  salad paste lemon salad dressing corn