Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience with this mouthwatering vegetarian pasta salad that combines creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and tangy red onions. Imagine a dish so deliciously simple yet sophisticated that it looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it comes together in just 25 minutes! Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone who loves quick, flavorful meals, this recipe is about to become your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta of choice
- 100g goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as fusilli, penne, or rotini.
- While water is heating, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until they become fragrant and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons using a sharp knife. If the raw onion is too strong, you can quickly pickle it by soaking in the red wine vinegar for 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the warm pot. Immediately add olive oil, red wine vinegar, and crumbled goat cheese. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese.
- Gently fold in the sliced red onions and toasted walnuts. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Cooking Hack: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, creamy sauce.
- Toasting Technique: When toasting walnuts, stay vigilant and stir constantly. They can burn quickly, and burnt nuts can ruin the entire dish's flavor.
- Onion Pro Tip: If raw onions are too sharp for your taste, the quick pickling method in red wine vinegar not only softens their bite but also adds an extra layer of tangy flavor.
- Temperature Matters: Serve this dish warm or at room temperature to let the goat cheese slightly melt and create a luxurious coating on the pasta.
- Customization Is Key: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil, parsley, or even a sprinkle of fresh thyme to elevate the flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This pasta salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for meal prep or quick lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 30mg
