Ready for a tasty, nutritious, and refreshing salad? Look no further than a classic Italian Noodle Salad! Made with simple ingredients, this simple dish is full of flavor and energy, makes for a delightful main course, and is perfect for any season.
Ingredients for the Salad
For the Noodles:
• 150g spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
For the Salad:
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, halved, seeded and sliced
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• 150g of semi-hard cheese (such as feta or gouda), crumbled
• 2 cups of lettuce or arugula
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• A pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
For the Vinaigrette
For the Vinaigrette:
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for the Salad
Prepare the Noodles:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, until al dente.
– Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse under cold water. Toss with the olive oil and minced garlic.
Make the Vinaigrette:
– In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until well blended.
Assemble the Salad:
– In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, semi-hard cheese, and lettuce or arugula.
– Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
– Sprinkle the salad with dried oregano and red pepper flakes, if using.
Serving Suggestions
After assembling the salad, you’re sure to have plenty of noodles left over. To get the most out of this easy recipe, consider adding leftover pasta sauce to a container of the noodles and mix. This simple dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Italian Noodle Salad is an ideal dish for pack lunches as it is great served room temperature or chilled. The mild flavors of the salad pair well with a wide variety of main courses, making it a versatile and delicious meal.
Rewards of Noodle Salad
Not only is this Italian Noodle Salad delicious and filling, it is also a balanced and nutritious meal. The main components – the noodles, veggies, and cheese – offer a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The olive oil and vinaigrette also provide healthy fats and essential nutrients.
Italian Noodle Salad is a simple and refreshing meal that is perfect for any season. Whether you are looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a delicious alternative for a packed lunch, or a nutritious and filling main course, this classic dish is sure to please. Enjoy!
