Looking for a refreshing dish that packs a punch of flavor and is perfect for any occasion? Dive into our Tarragon Beef and Pasta Salad, a delightful fusion of tender beef, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and aromatic tarragon, all tossed together in a zesty dressing. This recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 35 minutes from start to finish—but it also serves as a show-stopping centerpiece for your next gathering. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a hearty meal, this salad will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 lb beef sirloin, cooked and sliced
- 1/2 cup tarragon, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the beef sirloin. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear the sirloin to medium-rare, about 3-4 minutes per side. Let the meat rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Drain the cooked pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Set aside.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh tarragon leaves finely.
- Add the sliced beef, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped tarragon, and crumbled feta cheese to the pasta.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients, ensuring even coating.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with extra tarragon leaves before serving.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. Rinse it under cold water after draining to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Rest Your Beef: Allow the beef sirloin to rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking. This step is crucial as it helps retain the juices, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh tarragon for a more intense flavor. If you can't find tarragon, consider substituting with fresh basil or parsley for a different twist.
- Chill for Flavor: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Customizable Dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste. Adding a dash of Dijon mustard or a sprinkle of garlic powder can elevate the flavor profile even more.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or a light vinaigrette for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
