Shells with cold sauce and cucumbers

Cold sauce shells with cucumbers: an easy and refreshing pasta recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2

When looking for a pasta recipe that is quick, easy to prepare, and full of freshness, cold sauce shells with cucumbers are the perfect choice. This recipe is not only delicious but also an ideal option for hot summer days or a light lunch. With a mix of crunchy vegetables and a creamy sauce, this meal is sure to become a family favorite.

A bit of history

Pasta has a long history, being a staple food in many cultures. Shells, a shell-shaped pasta, pair perfectly with light sauces and fresh ingredients, making them ideal for a summer recipe. Additionally, the addition of fresh vegetables and a yogurt-based sauce makes this dish not only tasty but also healthy.

Ingredients

For 2 servings:

- 250 g shells (pasta)
- 100 g olives, sliced
- 2-3 medium cucumbers
- 1 tablespoon low-fat fresh cheese
- 200 g low-fat yogurt
- 4 green onions
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- A little olive oil
- A pinch of cumin
- A few leaves of green lettuce
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Step by step

1. Cooking the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to flavor the pasta. When the water starts to boil, add the shells. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes. It is important to cook them al dente for the perfect texture.

2. Draining the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, place it in a colander to drain. You can rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and help it cool quickly.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the pasta cools, you can prepare the vegetables. Cut the cucumbers lengthwise, then into cubes, leaving the skin on for extra nutrients and texture. Slice the olives thinly and chop the green onions into rings, saving one for garnish.

4. Preparing the sauce: In a bowl, mix the low-fat yogurt with the fresh cheese. Add a pinch of cumin, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. This creamy sauce will add a delicious touch to your dish.

5. Assembling the pasta salad: After the pasta has cooled, place it in a large bowl. Add the chopped vegetables, pouring the sauce over them. Gently mix, being careful not to break the shells.

6. Final cooling: Place the bowl with the pasta salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to meld and make the dish even more refreshing.

7. Serving: Before serving, place a few leaves of green lettuce on plates. Distribute the shells with vegetables and sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley leaves and rings of green onion.

Useful tips

- Vegetarian option: You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, for extra color and nutrients.
- Adding protein: If you want a heartier meal, you can add cooked chicken cubes or canned tuna.
- Alternative sauces: Instead of yogurt, you can use a light mayonnaise or an avocado-based sauce for a creamier version.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil, as it will affect the final flavor of the dish.

Nutritional benefits

This dish is rich in fiber due to the fresh vegetables, and the yogurt and cheese provide quality protein. It is a low-calorie recipe, ideal for those looking to maintain their weight or adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole grain pasta? Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is an excellent choice for a more nutritious meal.

2. How long can I keep the pasta salad in the fridge? It is recommended to consume it within 2 days to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

3. Can I freeze the shells with sauce? It is not recommended, as the texture of the pasta will change. It is better to prepare them fresh.

Ideal combinations

Cold sauce shells with cucumbers pair perfectly with a glass of fresh lemonade or iced tea. Additionally, a dry white wine could complement this light meal excellently. If you want to add a dessert, a fruit salad with yogurt would be a wonderful choice to end the meal in a refreshing way.

This cold sauce shells with cucumbers recipe is not only simple but also a great way to enjoy fresh and healthy ingredients. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For 2 servings: 250 g of shells (pasta), 100 g of olives, 2-3 medium cucumbers, fresh low-fat cheese (a full tablespoon), low-fat yogurt (200 g), 4 green onion stalks, parsley for decoration, a little olive oil, a little cumin, a few leaves of green lettuce, salt and pepper.

 Tags:  cucumbers macaroni pasta recipe