Alison Roman Pasta Salad Recipe, Taste the Difference!

alison roman pasta salad

In the realm of culinary creativity, Alison Roman has carved out a space of her own, offering a fresh perspective on classic dishes. Discover the vibrant flavors and innovative twists of Alison Roman’s Pasta Salad Recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dish showcases Roman’s unique approach to classic dishes, inviting you to elevate your culinary repertoire with simple ingredients and bold flavors.

Alison Roman Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup/52 grams olive oil, plus additional for preference
  • 1/2 cup/60 grams coarsely chopped walnut pieces or almonds
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 bunches of scallions
  • Optional crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound (about 2 medium) zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 3–4 oz/45–60 grams drained capers (adjust based on preference)
  • 8 ounces pasta, such as rigatoni or another tubular variety
  • 2–3 finely grated garlic cloves
  • Juice of 1–2 lemons or 2 tablespoons/28 grams vinegar
  • 2–3 ounces/60–90 grams coarsely chopped Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup assortment of fresh leafy herbs (e.g., parsley, cilantro, dill, mint)
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Instructions

  1. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped walnuts or almonds and fry until they turn a deep golden brown and emit a popcorn-like aroma, about 2–3 minutes.
  2. Using a slotted spoon, remove the nuts (leaving the oil in the skillet) and place them in a small bowl. Season with salt and set aside.
  3. Thinly slice approximately one-third of the scallions and set them aside. Coarsely chop the remaining scallions (using both the light and white green parts) and add them to the skillet with the reserved oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook over medium-high heat until the scallions become lightly browned at the edges and fully tender, almost melting, for about 8–10 minutes. If desired, add crushed red pepper flakes, then introduce half of the sliced zucchini.
  5. Season the zucchini with salt and pepper, allowing it to cook down until it becomes tender and translucent, spanning 10–15 minutes. Keep in mind that the timing may vary based on the zucchini’s size and water content.
  6. Stir occasionally and taste-test a piece occasionally. Once it achieves the desired tender, translucent texture, add the remaining zucchini to the skillet, creating more space for cooking. Season the second batch of zucchini with salt and pepper.
  7. Introduce capers and continue to cook until the zucchini becomes wilted and tender, yet maintains a slight bite, lasting another 5–8 minutes or so to achieve a combination of textures.
  8. In parallel, cook the pasta in a generously salted pot of water until it’s just beyond al dente. The pasta should be fully cooked but not mushy, as it won’t be cooked again. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water, then set it aside.
  9. Transfer the zucchini mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the finely grated garlic, juice of one lemon, and the thinly sliced raw scallions. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
  10. Introduce the pasta and gently toss everything to ensure even coating. You can use a casual tossing motion rather than a spoon for this step. If desired, season with additional crushed red pepper flakes and lemon juice according to taste.
  11. Incorporate half of the coarsely chopped Parmesan, the fried walnuts or almonds, and the assortment of fresh leafy herbs. Toss the mixture once again to ensure even distribution.
  12. Transfer the prepared dish to a serving bowl (or you can serve it directly from the mixing bowl). Finish by topping the dish with the remaining coarsely chopped Parmesan, nuts, and herbs.

This vibrant and flavorful dish is now ready to be enjoyed!

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How to Store

To store Alison Roman’s pasta salad or any pasta salad, follow these guidelines:

  1. Cool Down: Allow the pasta salad to cool down to room temperature before storing.
  2. Refrigeration: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume it within 3-5 days to ensure freshness.
  3. Avoid Dressing Absorption: If the pasta salad has a dressing, it’s common for the pasta to absorb the dressing over time. You may need to add more dressing before serving if it seems dry.
  4. Separate Ingredients: If possible, store any delicate ingredients, such as fresh herbs or crispy vegetables, separately and mix them in just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
  5. Stir Before Serving: Give the pasta salad a good stir before serving to redistribute any dressing and flavors that may have settled.

Always refer to the specific recipe for any unique storage instructions.

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Alison Roman’s Pasta Salad encapsulates the essence of culinary artistry, blending simplicity with a touch of the extraordinary. Alison Roman’s talent for turning humble ingredients into a captivating dish shines through, offering a celebration of flavors, textures, and the joy of exploration.

Whether you’re seeking a delightful twist on a classic or simply craving a harmonious blend of tastes and colors, Alison Roman’s pasta salad promises to satisfy both your palate and your creativity.