Citrus-Infused Whole Wheat Pasta Salad
This vibrant Citrus-Infused Whole Wheat Pasta Salad is a culinary delight inspired by the flavors of California. The combination of fresh vegetables, zesty citrus, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese brings a burst of color and flavor to your table. Packed with nutrients and drizzled with a light vinaigrette, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy option for any meal. Enjoy it warm as a comforting dish or chilled as a refreshing salad for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Perfect for impressing guests or surprising your loved one, this pasta salad captures the essence of California's sunny cuisine, infusing every bite with brightness and zest.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat penne
16 ounces (cooked to al dente)
lemons
2 (one sliced, one juiced)
orange
1 (peeled and diced)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
white button mushrooms
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
red onion
1 (diced)
orange bell pepper
1 (diced)
medium tomato
1 (diced)
carrot
1 cup (julienned or chopped)
baby spinach
1 cup (chopped)
Monterey Jack pepper cheese
3 slices (sliced into thin strips)
cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
olive oil
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon (divided)
apple cider vinegar
4 tablespoons (none)
sea salt
2 teaspoons (none)
fresh black pepper
2 teaspoons (freshly cracked)
Instructions
1
Cook the whole wheat penne in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
2
Prepare the vegetables: julienne or chop the carrots, dice the tomato, chop the mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper, and roughly chop the baby spinach.
3
Peel and segment the orange, and thinly slice one lemon while keeping the skin on. Juice the remaining lemon to extract its juice.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and all the prepped vegetables and orange segments. Toss gently using a large serving fork to preserve the shape of the ingredients.
5
In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the two bay leaves along with one cup of the mixed fresh ingredients from the bowl. Sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
6
Remove the bay leaves and add the sautéed mixture back into the large mixing bowl. Incorporate the cooked pasta, Monterey Jack cheese strips, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Toss everything together until well combined.
7
For added protein and fiber, consider including peas, tofu, or beans to the salad.
8
Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for an hour before serving. Pair with a refreshing glass of meritage wine or Chardonnay for a flavorful dining experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Infused Whole Wheat Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant, healthy dish inspired by California cuisine that combines whole wheat pasta, fresh vegetables, zesty citrus, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of whole wheat penne cooked to al dente.
How are the lemons prepared for the salad?
One lemon is thinly sliced with the skin on, while the second lemon is juiced.
Is this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains only plant-based ingredients and cheese.
What citrus fruits are included in the ingredients?
The salad features both lemons (one sliced, one juiced) and one peeled and diced orange.
Which vegetables are used in this pasta salad?
The salad includes white button mushrooms, red onion, orange bell pepper, tomato, carrot, and baby spinach.
How should the carrots be prepared?
You should prepare one cup of carrots by either julienning or chopping them.
What kind of cheese is added to the salad?
Monterey Jack pepper cheese is used, sliced into thin strips.
Does this recipe have a spicy kick?
Yes, it includes one teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper and Monterey Jack pepper cheese for a bit of heat.
How do I cook the whole wheat penne?
Cook it in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and toss with olive oil and salt.
What is the purpose of the bay leaves in this recipe?
Two whole bay leaves are used during a sautéing step to infuse flavor into a portion of the fresh ingredients.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
Yes, the instructions suggest adding peas, tofu, or beans for added protein and fiber.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon of olive oil, divided for different steps.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
The 1 1/2 cups of white button mushrooms should be chopped.
Can I serve this salad cold?
Yes, it can be served chilled in the refrigerator for an hour or enjoyed immediately while warm.
What wine pairs well with this pasta salad?
It is recommended to pair this dish with a refreshing glass of Meritage wine or Chardonnay.
How do I prepare the baby spinach?
One cup of baby spinach should be roughly chopped before being added to the mix.
Should the bay leaves be eaten?
No, the instructions specify to remove the bay leaves after sautéing the mixture and before combining everything.
How long should I sauté the fresh ingredients?
You should sauté about one cup of the mixed fresh ingredients for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
What is the best way to toss the ingredients?
The recipe suggests using a large serving fork to toss gently to preserve the shape of the ingredients.
What type of salt and pepper are used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of sea salt and 2 teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper.
What color bell pepper is recommended?
An orange bell pepper is used to add to the vibrant color palette of the salad.
Can I use this recipe for brunch?
Yes, the description notes it is a refreshing salad option for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Is the orange skin used in the salad?
No, the orange should be peeled before being diced and added to the bowl.
How many lemons are needed in total?
The recipe requires two lemons.
What makes this salad 'California-inspired'?
Its use of fresh vegetables, bright citrus notes, and light vinaigrette captures the essence of California's sunny cuisine.
What texture should the pasta have?
The pasta should be cooked to 'al dente,' meaning firm to the bite.
Is the tomato cooked or raw?
The diced tomato is part of the fresh mixture, though some of it may be sautéed if included in the one cup of sautéed ingredients.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 16 main ingredients used to create this pasta salad.