**Pasta La Fresca: A Refreshing and Flavorful Summer Dish**
Pasta La Fresca, meaning "Fresh Pasta" in Italian, is a vibrant and refreshing summer dish that celebrates the flavors of fresh, seasonal vegetables. This delightful pasta salad is packed with colorful ingredients like crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing. The addition of tender cooked pasta brings a satisfying bite to the dish, while crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy and creamy element. With its vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and explosion of flavors, Pasta La Fresca is a perfect dish to enjoy on a warm summer day, whether it's for a light lunch, a casual picnic, or a delightful dinner al fresco.
**Additional Recipe Variations:**
1. **Vegan Pasta La Fresca:** For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and a touch of agave syrup. Add some chopped walnuts or roasted chickpeas for extra protein and crunch.
2. **Grilled Vegetable Pasta La Fresca:** For a smoky and flavorful twist, grill the vegetables before adding them to the salad. This adds a delicious char and enhances their natural sweetness.
3. **Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta:** Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make this dish more nutritious and inclusive for those with dietary restrictions.
4. **Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Dressing:** Replace the lemon-herb dressing with a vibrant sun-dried tomato pesto dressing for a rich and savory variation.
5. **Roasted Garlic and Herb Dressing:** For a more aromatic dressing, roast some garlic cloves and add them to your dressing along with chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
With these versatile recipe variations, you can create a Pasta La Fresca that suits your preferences and dietary needs, ensuring a delightful and refreshing summer meal every time.
PASTA FRESCA
Provided by Bob Blumer - Host of Surreal Gourmet and Glutton for Punishment
Categories main-dish
Time 31m
Yield 8 Servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Assign 1 guest to pit the olives and another to dice the tomatoes.
- Bring 12 cups of water and 1 teaspoons of salt to a boil in a large pot.
- At the same time, in another large pot over medium-high heat, add 1/4 cup olive oil along with the garlic, shallots, and walnuts. Stir occasionally for 6 minutes, or until they just begin turning golden.
- Add the basil and stir for 30 seconds (to release their flavors).
- Add tomatoes, olives, remaining salt, pepper, chile pepper, and remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add yellow cherry tomatoes at the end.
- While sauce is simmering, add pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions.
- Warm the second loaf of bread in a preheated 325 degrees F oven.
- Drain pasta. Add pasta to sauce in pot. Toss thoroughly. Put pasta pot directly on the table, or transfer to a large pre-warmed serving bowl.
- Serve with Parmesan. Don't forget the bread in the oven!
PASTA FRESCA
Make and share this Pasta Fresca recipe from Food.com.
Provided by spatchcock
Categories Fruit
Time 31m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bring 12 cups of water and 1 teaspoons of salt to a boil in a large pot.
- At the same time, in another large pot over medium-high heat, add 1/4 cup olive oil along with the garlic, shallots, and walnuts.
- Stir occasionally for 6 minutes, or until they just begin turning golden.
- Add the basil and stir for 30 seconds (to release their flavors).
- Add tomatoes, olives, remaining salt, pepper, chile pepper, and remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add yellow cherry tomatoes at the end.
- While sauce is simmering, add pasta to the boiling water.
- Cook according to package directions.
- Drain pasta.
- Add pasta to sauce in pot.
- Toss thoroughly.
- Put pasta pot directly on the table, or transfer to a large pre-warmed serving bowl.
- Serve with Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 514.2, Fat 30.6, SaturatedFat 5.8, Cholesterol 51.7, Sodium 1006, Carbohydrate 47, Fiber 4.7, Sugar 5.3, Protein 17.1
NOODLES & CO. PASTA FRESCA
Pasta Fresca from Noodles & Co. Balsamic, white wine and roasted garlic-sautéed penne pasta with baby spinach, fresh tomato and red onion. Topped with parsley and parmesan or feta cheese
Provided by Chef Jerrysbear2
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 25m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Sauté Instructions:
- In a very hot sauté pan, add: extra virgin olive oil, pre-cooked farfalle (bow-tie pasta), roma tomatoes, diced red onions, kosher salt & cracked pepper.
- Sear noodles, stirring occasionally until steaming hot.
- Add: baby fresh spinach, 1 oz. fresca sauce.
- Toss to combine, serve with freshly shaved parmesan cheese.
- FRESCA SAUCE: (for 15 servings) 1/4 cup fresh garlic, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup sweet white wine, 1 cup extra virgin olive oil.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
- Don't overcook the pasta. Cook it al dente, or to the tooth, so that it still has a slight bite to it.
- Use a variety of vegetables. This will add color, flavor, and nutrients to your dish.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. This is a great way to personalize your dish and make it your own.
- Serve the pasta immediately. This is when it is at its best.
Conclusion:
Pasta la Fresca is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and herbs, and it is also a good source of protein and fiber. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be a Pasta la Fresca recipe that everyone will love.
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