A Spicy Penne Pasta Salad That Will Keep You Coming Back For More

spicy penne pasta salad

Pasta salad has been around since the late 19th century and is a popular dish in both the United States and Europe. It is a dish that is easy to prepare and can be customized with different ingredients. Pasta salads can be enjoyed as a side dish, a light meal, or as a main dish.

The classic pasta salad combines cooked pasta, vegetables, and dressing. This simple combination is versatile and can be made with any type of pasta and any type of vegetables. It can also be topped with cheese, herbs, and nuts.

Today, we’re going to make a spicy penne pasta salad. This delicious and easy-to-make salad is a great way to add a kick of flavor to your meal.

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1 green pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup of artichoke hearts
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Time:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the penne and cook for 8-10 minutes, or according to the package instructions.
  • Drain the penne and transfer to a large bowl.

Instructions:

  • Add the olive oil, red pepper, green pepper, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, artichokes, basil, and red pepper flakes to the bowl.
  • Drizzle the red wine vinegar over the top and mix everything together.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl.

Garnishes:

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Chopped fresh basil
  • Toasted pine nuts

Optional Garnishes:

  • Crumbled bacon
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped olives

Kitchen Equipment:

  • Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Serving bowl

This spicy penne pasta salad is sure to become a favorite in your home. Serve it as a side dish or a light meal. For a heartier meal, top it with grilled chicken or shrimp. Enjoy!

Need ideas for a main? Pick out these dish recipes for inspiration.

For A Twist, Try This Lovely Curry Chicken Salad

curry chicken salad sandwich

Chicken salad is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries. It has been a staple food in Asian, Middle Eastern and European cultures since ancient times. The earliest recorded recipes for chicken salad date back to the late 1700s, but the dish is likely much older than that.

In the United States, chicken salad first became popular in the mid-1800s. It was a favorite dish of the upper classes, who served it at fancy dinner parties and other special occasions. The early versions of chicken salad often included a combination of cooked chicken, mayonnaise and vegetables. Over time, other ingredients were added, such as nuts, eggs, apples, celery and even grapes.

In the early 1900s, chicken salad began to be served in restaurants, delis and cafeterias across the United States. By this time, it had become an American classic. It was also served in the military, where it was a favorite of the troops.

Today, chicken salad is still a popular dish around the world. It is often served as a sandwich, wrap or salad, and is a staple of picnic lunches and potlucks. There are now many different variations of chicken salad, from the classic American version to Asian-inspired recipes.

Curry Chicken Salad Recipe Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Equipment Needed:

• Bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Instructions For Putting The Chicken Salad Together:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, yogurt, mayonnaise, celery, onion, raisins, almonds, curry powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
  2. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  4. Serve the curry chicken salad on a bed of greens or in a wrap or sandwich.

This great recipe will makes 4 servings.

Need other sandwich ideas? Try out one of these great sandwiches.

For Healthier Caesar Salad Try This One With Kale

kale caesar salad

The Caesar salad’s origin story is as rich and varied as the dish itself. Most versions of the story claim that the salad was invented by an Italian-American restaurateur named Caesar Cardini, who owned restaurants in both San Diego and Tijuana in 1924. According to legend, Cardini was presented with an overwhelming number of customers on the Fourth of July, and he created the dish out of what he had on hand.

The original recipe is said to have included romaine lettuce, olive oil, lemon juice, pepper, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and croutons. Cardini’s brother Alex is said to have added the famous “anchovy paste”, which is what really made the dish stand out.

The Caesar salad quickly became a hit, and it wasn’t long before the dish was being served in restaurants all over the world. Over the years, the recipe has been tweaked and changed to suit the tastes of different cultures and regions. For example, some versions of the dish include anchovies, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and Worcestershire sauce.

Today, the Caesar salad is a staple on restaurant menus, and it’s beloved by diners all over the globe. But in recent years, the dish has come under fire for its high calorie and fat content. That’s why we’ve put together this recipe for a healthier version of the classic salad, made with kale instead of romaine lettuce.

Healthy Kale Caesar Salad Ingredients:

  • 2 bunches of fresh kale, washed, dried, and chopped
    2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
    1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    2 tablespoons croutons

Optional garnishes:

  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Chopped cucumbers
  • Chopped red onions
  • Chopped olives
  • Chopped hard boiled eggs

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

  • A large bowl
  • A cutting board
  • A sharp knife
  • A whisk
  • A spoon

Cook Time:

15 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Place the kale in a large bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the kale and toss to coat.
  4. Add the Parmesan cheese and croutons and toss again.
  5. Divide the salad onto two plates and garnish with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and hard boiled eggs, if desired.

To Make the Salad Spicy:

If you’d like to make the salad spicier, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili powder to the dressing. You can also garnish the salad with jalapenos or pepperoncinis for an extra kick.

Looking for other salad recipes? Find a great salad that’s delicious and simple to make.

Try This Recipe For A Healthier Version Of A Cobb Salad

turkey cobb salad

The Cobb Salad is a classic American dish that has been around for nearly a century. It was created in 1937 by Robert Cobb, the owner of the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, California. At the time, he was looking for a new dish to put on the menu. He threw together some random ingredients that he had on hand – bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, chicken, and hard-boiled eggs – and the Cobb Salad was born!

Since then, the Cobb Salad has become a popular dish served in restaurants and homes all over the world. It’s a great way to get some protein and vegetables in one dish and is surprisingly easy to make.

Here is a delicious recipe for making a great Cobb Salad with Turkey that serves six people:

Turkey Cobb Salad Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked and diced turkey
• 2 heads of lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced turkey bacon
• 1 avocado, diced
• 2 hard boiled eggs, diced
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment:
• Large bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon

Instructions:

  1. Place the lettuce into the large bowl.
  2. Add the turkey, tomatoes, turkey bacon, avocado, and eggs to the bowl.
  3. Sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles over the top.
  4. Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad
  5. Toss the salad lightly until all of the ingredients are evenly mixed.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  7. Serve immediately.

To make this Cobb Salad zesty, you can add some freshly squeezed lemon juice or a small amount of hot sauce to the dressing. You can also top the salad with some crispy croutons or crunchy nuts for a bit of texture.

Garnishes:
• 1/4 cup croutons
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts
• Fresh parsley

This Cobb Salad with Turkey is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and protein in one dish. It’s also a great way to use up any leftovers you have in the fridge. Enjoy!

How about pairing it with a soup for dinner? We think you’ll love this bell pepper soup recipe.

Orange Bell Pepper Soup Will Quickly Become A Fan Favorite

orange bell pepper soup

The Roasted Bell Pepper Soup is an easy to make and delicious soup that has been enjoyed by many for centuries. The origin of this soup is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in Mediterranean countries. This soup is made by roasting bell peppers over an open flame or in an oven, then blending them together with other ingredients to create a thick and flavorful soup.

The unique flavor of the roasted bell peppers makes this soup stand out. The smokiness and sweetness of the peppers, combined with the aromatics of onions and garlic, creates a truly delicious and comforting soup. This soup is a great option for a cold winter’s day and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, entrée, or even as a side dish.

Roasted Orange Bell Pepper Soup is a great way to enjoy this classic soup. The addition of orange bell peppers adds a vibrant color and a slightly sweet flavor to the soup. This recipe is easy to make and will yield about six servings.

Roasted Orange Bell Pepper Soup Ingredients:

  • 6 orange bell peppers
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Shedded parmesan cheese for a topping

Kitchen Equipment:

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Large pot
  • Blender or food processor

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Cut the bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Place the bell peppers on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side down.
  4. Roast the bell peppers for 15 minutes, or until the skin is blistered and lightly charred.
  5. Remove the bell peppers from the oven and let cool. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the charred skin.
  6. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
  7. Add the smoked paprika, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and red wine vinegar. Stir to combine.
  8. Add the roasted bell peppers to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  9. Remove the soup from the heat and let cool slightly.
  10. Transfer the soup to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  11. Serve the soup hot, topped with croutons, diced bell peppers, and a drizzle of olive oil.

To make this soup zesty, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream for a slightly tangy flavor.

This Roasted Orange Bell Pepper Soup is a delicious and easy to make soup that will make a great appetizer, entrée, or side dish. The combination of smoky, sweet roasted bell peppers combined with the aromatics of garlic and onion creates a truly flavorful and comforting soup. Enjoy!

Looking for an easy meal to make this weekend? Find a great dish recipe.

A Great Upscale Twist On A Southwestern Chicken Salad

southwestern chicken salad on a plate

The southwestern chicken salad has been a popular dish in the United States since the mid-1980s. It gained popularity when many restaurants and diners began serving it as an alternative to the more traditional greens-based salads. The dish typically combines fresh and grilled vegetables, chicken, and a creamy dressing to create a flavorful meal.

Today, we’re going to show you how to make an upscale twist on the southwestern chicken salad at home. This recipe is easy to make, and can be enjoyed as a lunch or dinner.

Southwestern Salad Key Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 bell peppers (red and yellow)
  • 1 small red onion
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons of lime juice
  • 1/4 cup of cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups of romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup of corn
  • 1/4 cup of cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup of shredded cheese
  • 1/4 cup of crushed tortilla chips

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  2. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
  3. While the chicken is grilling, prepare the vegetables. Slice the bell peppers and red onion into thin strips. Dice the jalapeño pepper and mince the cilantro.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the lime juice, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
  6. Once the chicken is cooked through, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
  7. Add the chicken strips to the large bowl with the vegetables. Pour the lime juice mixture over the top and mix together.
  8. Serve the salad in individual bowls and top with crushed tortilla chips. Or, if you’re feeling fancy you can slice up some old corn tortillas into strips and fry them in oil.

Other Garnishes to Consider:

  • Sliced avocado
  • Sliced jalapeño pepper
  • Sliced red onion
  • Sliced radishes
  • Sliced cherry tomatoes
  • Cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Optional Way to Add Spice To Your Salad:

If you’d like to add some extra spice to your southwestern chicken salad, try adding a few spoonfuls of your favorite hot sauce. It will add a nice kick of flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. Another great option is to add some diced Jalapeños. Enjoy!

Need sandwich ideas for pairing with your salad? Find some great sandwich recipes you can easily make at home.

Tea Leaf Salad: A Crunchy Savory Salad You’ll Want To Make At Home

burmese tea leaf salad

Tea Leaf Salad is a traditional Burmese dish that has been around for centuries and is still popular today. The dish is made with a variety of ingredients including fermented tea leaves, beans, nuts, and other vegetables. It is often served as a side dish or as a main course.

The history of Tea Leaf Salad can be traced back to the 11th century when the Burmese king Anawrahta introduced tea to his kingdom. It is believed that he was inspired to create the dish after seeing Chinese people drinking tea. He decided to combine the tea leaves with other ingredients to make a salad. Over time, the dish evolved and different ingredients were added, such as beans, nuts, and other vegetables.

Today, Tea Leaf Salad is a popular dish in Burma and other countries in Southeast Asia. It is a great way to enjoy the flavors of tea and the nutrition of other ingredients all in one dish. The dish is also often served as a side dish for a larger meal.

If you want to make Tea Leaf Salad at home, here is a simple recipe.

Ingredients:

-2 cups of fermented tea leaves

-1/2 cup of cooked black beans

-1/4 cup of peanuts

-1/4 cup of sesame seeds

-1/4 cup of chopped garlic

-1/4 cup of chopped ginger

-1/4 cup of chopped shallots

-2 tablespoons of fish sauce

-1 teaspoon of chili powder

-1/4 cup of lime juice

-Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Equipment:

-Large bowl

-Mixing spoon

-Knife

-Cutting board

-Garlic press

Cook Time:

15 minutes

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the fermented tea leaves, black beans, peanuts, sesame seeds, garlic, ginger, and shallots.
  2. Add the fish sauce, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix everything together until it is well combined.
  4. Serve the Tea Leaf Salad with extra lime wedges and chopped peanuts as garnish.

Optional:

If you want to add some spice to your Tea Leaf Salad, you can add some chili flakes or chopped chili peppers. You can also add some chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Tea Leaf Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. It is also a great way to enjoy the flavors of tea and the nutrition of other ingredients all in one dish. Try this recipe and enjoy this traditional Burmese dish.

How about another great Asian dish to try out for dinner? Give these Indonesian noodles a try tonight.