Mediterranean Pasta Gazpacho Salad
This Mediterranean Pasta Gazpacho Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic gazpacho soup, transforming it into a hearty and delightful salad packed with flavor and nutrition. Combining al dente macaroni with a vibrant medley of fresh, crisp vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, this dish is a celebration of summer flavors. Tossed in a tangy vinaigrette enriched with aromatic herbs and a hint of heat, this salad makes for a perfect light lunch or a colorful side dish for gatherings. Ideal served chilled or at room temperature, it invites everyone to enjoy the essence of the Mediterranean with every bite.
6
Servings
133
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked macaroni
4 ounces (Cooked according to package instructions)
tomatoes
2 1/2 cups (Seeded and chopped)
red onion
1 cup (Finely chopped)
cucumber
1 cup (Finely chopped)
celery
1/2 cup (Finely chopped)
green bell pepper
1/2 cup (Finely chopped (or yellow or orange))
red bell pepper
1/2 cup (Finely chopped)
black olives
2 tablespoons (Finely chopped)
cider vinegar
3 tablespoons (Used for dressing)
bay leaf
1 (Added for flavor)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (Minced (or 1 tsp dried parsley))
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (Minced (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves))
garlic clove
1 (Minced)
hot pepper sauce
3-4 dashes (To taste)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
whole olives
as needed (For garnish)
sliced cucumber
as needed (For garnish)
dill sprigs
as needed (For garnish)
Instructions
1
1. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, without adding any salt. Once al dente, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water until completely cool. Drain well to remove excess water.
2
2. Prepare the vegetables by seeding and chopping the tomatoes, finely chopping the red onion, cucumber, celery, and both kinds of bell peppers.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with the chopped vegetables and black olives.
4
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cider vinegar, minced parsley, thyme, minced garlic, hot pepper sauce, and ground black pepper. Pour this dressing over the pasta and vegetables.
5
5. Add the bay leaf to the bowl and gently toss all the ingredients to ensure even distribution of the dressing.
6
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, remove the bay leaf and give the salad a gentle toss.
7
7. To serve, place the salad in a serving dish and garnish with whole olives, sliced cucumber, and fresh dill sprigs. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
17.5
Carbs
3.33
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Pasta Gazpacho Salad?
It is a refreshing twist on gazpacho soup, combining al dente macaroni with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers in a tangy vinaigrette.
What kind of pasta should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 ounces of uncooked macaroni, cooked until al dente.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients list provided, this recipe is suitable for a vegan diet.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving of this salad contains approximately 133 calories.
How long does it take to chill?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I serve it at room temperature?
Yes, the salad is ideal when served either chilled or at room temperature.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, celery, and both green and red bell peppers.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for this recipe?
The tomatoes should be seeded and then chopped before being added to the salad.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tsp of dried parsley for fresh parsley and 1/2 tsp of dried thyme for fresh thyme.
What kind of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The dressing is made using 3 tablespoons of cider vinegar.
Is there salt added to the pasta water?
No, the instructions specify cooking the macaroni according to package instructions without adding any salt.
How do I prevent the macaroni from sticking together?
Once cooked, rinse the pasta under cold water until completely cool and drain it well.
Can I use different types of bell peppers?
Yes, while the recipe calls for red and green bell peppers, you can use yellow or orange peppers as well.
What are the recommended garnishes?
The salad can be garnished with whole olives, sliced cucumber, and fresh dill sprigs.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a hint of heat from 3-4 dashes of hot pepper sauce, but you can adjust this to your personal taste.
Should I remove the bay leaf before serving?
Yes, you should remove the bay leaf after the chilling period and before serving the salad.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 3.33 grams of protein.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, making it at least 4 hours in advance is recommended to ensure the flavors are well-developed.
What makes this a 'gazpacho' salad?
It uses traditional chilled gazpacho soup ingredients like tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onions, and vinegar in a solid salad form.
Are there olives inside the salad mixture?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely chopped black olives in the salad mixture.
What type of onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of finely chopped red onion.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base recipe uses standard macaroni which contains gluten; you would need to use a gluten-free pasta substitute.
What is the fat content for this dish?
The salad contains approximately 5 grams of fat per serving.
How much macaroni is required?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of uncooked macaroni.
Can I add extra protein?
Yes, you could easily add chickpeas or other legumes to increase the protein content while keeping it Mediterranean-themed.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Is the garlic in the dressing cooked?
No, the garlic is minced and added raw to the vinegar and herb dressing.
How much carbohydrate is in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 17.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the best way to chop the vegetables?
The recipe recommends finely chopping the onion, cucumber, celery, and bell peppers for a consistent texture.