Simple and Healthy Pasta Salad with Olive Oil

I might be Asian but my Asian cooking skills pales in comparison to that of my Italian Cooking. I’m not quite sure why except that I find Italian food easier to prepare, with fewer ingredients. Try cooking a complicated Asian sambal sauce and you’ll know what I mean!

Another aspect of Italian cooking captures my imagination and that is their use of olive oil. Olive Oil is touted as being healthy and good for the heart. The Italians use it extensively in their cooking and I was told that drinking (yes drinking!) a tablespoon of olive oil a day is good for health. I’m sticking to using it in food for now. So, here is my simple and healthy pasta salad with olive oil dressing.

You Need:

• 1 250g pack of dry pasta shells of your choice
• 1 pack of frozen vegetables or you can chop your own if you prefer
• 2 half inch thick slices of ham

For the dressing:

• 3 tbsp of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic crushed
• some dried mixed herbs
• dijon mustard to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to:

1. Boil the pasta shells according to the instructions on the packet or until al dente (just cooked or slightly undercooked). Run under cold water, drain and set aside.
2. Boil the frozen vegetables to heat them up, run under cold water, drain and set aside.
3. Pan fry the ham slices without oil in a non stick frying pan, or with a little bit of olive oil until it is slightly browned. Slice into cubes.
4. Prepare the dressing by mixing all the ingredients in a bowl and whisking it all together with a fork. You can add or subtract ingredients to taste.
5. Combine the pasta, vegetables and ham cubes in a large serving bowl and pour the dressing over the mixture. Mix through thoroughly.
6. Leave to rest for about 10 minutes before serving so the flavour is absorbed by the pasta.

I made this for a barbeque party and it was a major hit because it was colorful and looked and tasted healthy. What’s nice about it is that it can be served cold or warm so it makes a good idea for outdoor parties or picnics. I sometimes make something similar for a simple dinner, with a hardboiled egg added for protein. Plus, you get your benefits of olive oil without having to drink it!

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Tagged as: Easy Recipes, Pasta, Salad