Crunchy Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that combines crispy baked pasta with crisp lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a creamy homemade sauce. It’s easy to prepare, packed with texture, and perfect for lunch, dinner, picnics, or summer gatherings. Every bite offers the perfect balance of crunch, freshness, and creamy flavor.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 420 kcal
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 200 g pasta
- 1 head lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 small lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 10–15 minutes, or until tender. Drain well and let it cool slightly.
- Transfer the pasta to a bowl. Add olive oil, salt, and red pepper, then toss until evenly coated.
- Spread the pasta on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, salt, and parsley until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Top the salad with the crispy pasta just before serving and enjoy.
Notes
- Allow the pasta to cool before adding it to the salad for the best texture.
- Add the crispy pasta right before serving to keep it crunchy.
- Adjust the lemon juice according to your taste.
Tips
- For extra crunch, bake the pasta a few minutes longer until deeply golden.
- Chill the vegetables before serving for a fresher salad.
- Fresh parsley adds the best flavor and color to this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the vegetables and the sauce a few hours in advance. Add the crispy pasta just before serving to keep it crunchy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the salad and crispy pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Most pasta shapes work well as long as they become crispy when baked.
Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?
Yes. You can replace the mayonnaise with extra yogurt for a lighter sauce.
What can I serve with Crunchy Pasta Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, burgers, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.