This Cuban Pasta Salad combines vibrant vegetables, hearty chicken, and a tangy dressing to create a delightful balance of flavors. The creamy feta adds richness while the cilantro brings a fresh, herbaceous note to every bite.
The salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a light weeknight dinner. It’s a versatile dish you can serve on its own or as a side to grilled meats. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and even better when chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz pasta (your choice)
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1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
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1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
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1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
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1/2 cup corn kernels, cooked or canned
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1/4 cup green olives, sliced
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1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, red onion, bell peppers, black beans, corn, and olives.
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until well combined.
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Top with crumbled feta cheese (if desired) and fresh cilantro. Toss again.
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Chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Origins of Cuban Pasta Salad
The Cuban Pasta Salad is inspired by the bold, flavorful dishes that are characteristic of Cuban cuisine. Cuban food is known for its use of fresh ingredients like citrus, cilantro, and garlic, as well as a variety of spices and herbs that create a unique, zesty flavor profile. While pasta isn’t a traditional Cuban staple, it has been incorporated into many modern dishes, including this Cuban-inspired pasta salad.
This dish blends the rich flavors of Cuban cooking with the versatility and ease of a pasta salad, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. The salad features a medley of ingredients such as bell peppers, black beans, corn, and olives, which are often seen in Cuban dishes, and is topped with a tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together.
Flavor Profile
The Cuban Pasta Salad is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. The pasta provides a neutral base that absorbs the flavors of the dressing and vegetables. The black beans add a creamy texture, while the corn gives a slight sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the more savory ingredients. Red and green bell peppers bring a fresh crunch, while green olives lend a briny, umami flavor that ties the whole dish together.
The dressing, made from a combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, and spices like cumin and chili powder, adds a zesty kick to the salad. The citrusy notes of lime, paired with the earthy cumin and chili powder, are a nod to the flavors of Cuba, where fresh citrus and spices are commonly used to enhance dishes.
Nutritional Benefits of Cuban Pasta Salad
Cuban Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients. The salad includes vegetables like bell peppers, which are rich in vitamin C, and black beans, which are a great source of fiber and plant-based protein. The addition of corn provides essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, B vitamins, and magnesium, while olives offer healthy fats and antioxidants.
The dressing is made with olive oil, which contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and lime juice, which provides vitamin C and helps support digestion. This makes Cuban Pasta Salad a well-rounded dish that is both satisfying and beneficial for your health. While it may not be a low-calorie dish, it’s certainly a healthier option compared to many traditional pasta salads, which are often laden with heavy, creamy dressings.
Serving Suggestions
Cuban Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. It can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats, like chicken, pork, or fish, making it a great addition to a summer barbecue or picnic. The bright, refreshing flavors of the salad complement the smoky and savory flavors of grilled dishes, creating a perfect balance.
Alternatively, Cuban Pasta Salad can be enjoyed as a standalone meal. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner, especially if you add some grilled chicken or shrimp to the mix. The salad can also be served as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, offering a delicious and portable meal option.
This salad is also perfect for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge, allowing the flavors to marinate and develop over time. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for a quick and easy meal throughout the week. The freshness of the ingredients and the zesty dressing make it a dish that’s ideal for keeping in the fridge for several days.
Customizing the Cuban Pasta Salad
One of the best things about Cuban Pasta Salad is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or what ingredients you have on hand. For example, if you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and replace it with extra black beans or add some cubed avocado for a creamy texture.
If you’re looking to add more crunch, consider tossing in some chopped cucumber or even a handful of nuts, such as sunflower seeds or slivered almonds. For a spicier kick, you can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can easily swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety, making this dish accessible for everyone.
For those who enjoy bold flavors, you can experiment with adding other Cuban ingredients, such as roasted plantains or pickled red onions. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this Cuban Pasta Salad your own.
Tips for Perfect Cuban Pasta Salad
To ensure your Cuban Pasta Salad turns out perfectly, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
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Cook the pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta can become mushy and take away from the texture of the salad. Be sure to cook your pasta just until it’s al dente, so it maintains a firm texture when combined with the dressing and other ingredients.
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Let the salad chill: For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to fully coat the pasta and vegetables, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
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Don’t forget the seasoning: Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors in any salad. Make sure to taste the dressing before adding it to the salad, and adjust the salt, pepper, and spices to your liking.
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Make it ahead of time: Cuban Pasta Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare it the night before a party or event and let the flavors marinate overnight for even better taste.
Conclusion
Cuban Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a side dish or a main meal, it brings the bold flavors of Cuban cuisine into a light and refreshing pasta salad format. With its combination of vegetables, protein, and zesty dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your tastes and dietary needs, making it a great option for meal prep, summer barbecues, and more.
Next time you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, give Cuban Pasta Salad a try. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so satisfying and delicious.