Pasta salad is a very popular dish in various countries in Latin America and around the world. Its origin dates back to Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Italy, where pasta plays a fundamental role in daily nutrition. In different regions of Latin America, this recipe may have various names, such as "cold pasta salad," "macaroni salad," or simply "pasta salad." Each country adds its typical ingredients to give it a local touch, making this preparation a versatile and delicious option to share at family gatherings or social events.
Furthermore, pasta salad is known for its freshness and ease of preparation in advance, making it an excellent option for outdoor meals, picnics, or as a side dish for main courses. Its components allow for the combination of vegetables, proteins, and sauces, creating a perfect balance that satisfies different tastes.
How to Make Pasta Salad to Share
To begin, cook the pasta according to the package instructions, except you should add crushed red pepper to the cooking water. This will give it a special flavor and a distinctive color.
Then, rinse with cold water and drain completely to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming sticky.
Next, cool the pasta to room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients.
In a large bowl, mix the pasta with sweet red pepper, yellow zucchini, peas, black olives, smoked cheddar cheese, whole unblanched almonds, green onion, and fresh tarragon to add freshness and texture to the salad.
Then, add the Italian salad dressing to the pasta mixture.
Gently toss to mix all the ingredients without breaking up the pasta or the vegetables.
Finally, cover and refrigerate the salad for 2 hours or up to 24 hours so the flavors can fully meld and the salad is fresh when served.
