Cold pasta salad, or ensalada de fideos fríos, is made by cooking 250 g of spiral pasta al dente, rinsing and cooling it, and tossing it with a vinaigrette of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, thyme, garlic, oregano, and salt, plus spinach, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and mozzarella, finished with grated parmesan. It takes 30 minutes of preparation plus 10 minutes of cooking and serves 4 people.
It is a popular spring and summer dish in Chile and a smart way to use leftover pasta.
How to Make Cold Pasta Salad?
Any pasta shape works, but spirals or short tubes hold the vinaigrette best.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of cold pasta salad contains approximately 350 kcal, 12 g of protein, 18 g of fat, 35 g of carbohydrates (7 g of sugars), and 400 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Homemade Cold Pasta Salad Recipe
Preparation: 30 minutes
Cooking: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
- 250 g (9 oz) of spiral pasta
- 200 g (7 oz) of mozzarella, diced
- 150 g (5 oz) of spinach
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package, in plenty of boiling water with a tablespoon of salt, for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk about 3 tablespoons of olive oil with the vinegar, thyme, garlic, oregano, and salt. Set aside.
- Add the cold pasta, spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, julienned bell pepper, and mozzarella and toss well. Adjust the seasoning and serve right away, sprinkled with grated parmesan.
Additional Tips
Rinse the pasta
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking and keeps the pasta from sticking.
Dress just before serving
Add cheese and dressing at the last minute if you prepare it ahead.
Salt the water well
Well-salted cooking water seasons the pasta from the inside.
| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella | Queso fresco or goat cheese | 1:1 | Tangier |
| Apple cider vinegar | Balsamic or white wine vinegar | 1:1 | Sweeter or sharper |
| Spinach | Arugula | 1:1 | Peppery |
| Plain | With canned tuna | 1 can | Heartier |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make it ahead?
Yes, up to 12 hours in the refrigerator; add the cheese and dressing just before serving.
2. Which vinegar is best?
Apple cider vinegar for a mild flavor, or balsamic or white wine vinegar.
3. What can I use instead of mozzarella?
Queso fresco, goat cheese, or firm tofu for a dairy-free option.
4. What variations are popular?
With tuna, or with extra vegetables such as corn, carrot, zucchini, peas, broccoli, or mushrooms.
What Is Ensalada de Fideos Fríos?
Ensalada de fideos fríos is a Chilean cold pasta salad with vegetables, cheese, and a simple vinaigrette.
Benefits of Cold Pasta
Cooked and cooled pasta develops some resistant starch, which is digested more slowly than regular starch.
Did You Know?
Spiral pasta is called fusilli in Italy, traditionally made by wrapping strips of dough around a thin rod.
