Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Angel Hair Pasta Salad

Quick Main Pasta Dish for warmer weather

DSC_6607Hello Microsoft and Google people, please fix the ‘Live Writer’ program fast! Unable to post my blog since last week,  ‘Copy and Paste’ approach is not so cool! I thought the smart people who work there can all straighten up the problem in the matter of couple hours but….really?

The temperature was pushing upper-80’s last weekend, we turn on the air-conditioning rather than endure…The month of May’s hasty departure, I wasn’t ready for…a basket full of clean clothing ready to be folded…three days ago…in my defense, visiting sick friends take priority. I hope they like this weather appropriate light meal…even though it doesn’t look pretty in a plastic container.

Ingredients and Instruction for 3-4 servings (Print Recipe Here)

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar, white balsamic preferred if you have it.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • 10-12 cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 peppers, I used yellow, thinly sliced…to bring bright color in!
  • 10 or more basil leaves thinly sliced
  • 4 slices of thick cut bacon roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic thinly sliced
  • Angel hair pasta, about 3 oz. per person
  • Parmigiano reggiano cheese thinly shavedDSC_6594
  1. Make dressing - In a medium bowl vigorously whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
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  2. Add tomato, pepper, basil (leave a little bit for garnish) and toss to coat. Chill it in the refrigerator until needed.
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  3. Cook pasta my way - Lay the pasta (break in half if the pasta is too long) in large skillet and barely cover with cold water. Cook the pasta on medium heat, stirring occasionally so that pasta won’t stick together until al dente. Drain water through colander.Set aside.DSC_6574
  4. Heat the same pan on medium heat; sauté bacon until it renders the fat and begins to brown, add garlic and cook for a few minutes longer. Note: do not brown garlic. Turn off the heat.
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  5. Bring the drained pasta back in the pan and combine with bacon and garlic.
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  6. Divide pasta in 4 bowls. Top with chilled vegetables. Don’t forget to spoon over the dressing. Garnish with shaved cheese and basil. Salt and pepper to adjust flavor.
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Arrangement #1: Add red pepper flakes (about 1/4 teaspoon) in the dressing for accent.

Arrangement #2 If you like lot more green then use salad green mix that comes in a bag.

From the TAPAS (#todaystapas) – Incredibly soft, light yogurt bread dough recipe from a Australian blogger Bake for Happy Kids…my husband made into cinnamon rolls…Fabulous! He took some to his office and got nice reviews…he will make more for the other critics/ foodies.IMG_4124

More of garden jewel – dangling earing like Gumi treeDSC_6557

Although the temperature dropped 20 degrees yesterday, still no complaints here. My sincere prayers are with those affected by terrible weather…

32 comments:

  1. Dear Nippon, This is a delicious light meal for the warmer weather; fresh and delicious!!
    The weather here is cold at the moment. I am sure it will heat up though. It has also been raining a lot. xo Catherine

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    1. Thank you very much Catherine for your kind comment. I still have basil, mint in my herb pot...I 'm ready to make your blueberry slushy!
      Wishing you a nicer weather this week.

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  2. YUM! That's screams summer salad indeed!

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  3. おはようございます。 いつも美味しそうです。。サクランボも素敵です。

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    1. ありがとうございます。 斎藤さんの旅の写真、いいですね。行ってみたいところばかりです。

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  4. this looks so good and sorry about your blogging issues

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    1. Thank you so much Rebecca. You're very kind!

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  5. Dearest Nippon, this looks delicious! :) I hope your blogging issues get resolved soon!

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    1. Thank you Linda. They fixed it! I'm so relieved!

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  6. Replies
    1. Thank you Jalna. The boiled peanuts looks great!

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  7. A light and very delicious pasta dish! The cinnamon bun from your husband looks mouthwatering.

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    1. Thank you Angie. Your popsicles look awesome!

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  8. Oh yum! Everything looks fabulous. You've put me in the mind to have some saimin noodles tomorrow.

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    1. Thank you Kay. I checked Kafuku High School graduation video again, thanks for posting. Good luck with your orange tree.

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  9. Nice pasta salad...and yes this dish is perfect for the warmer weather...looks beautiful!
    Have a great day Nippon Nin :)

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    1. Thank you Juliana. Your Brazilian flan looks fabulous! I'm sure I'm buying coconut milk at next grocery shopping.

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  10. Damn deliicous, i just made guanciale n i think i had the recipe for that now....
    Dedy@Dentist Chef

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    1. Dear Chef, You're genius! I mean it sincerely.

      Thank you for your comment.

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  11. This looks delicious! I have yet to try angel hair pasta, but it is definitely something on my to-do list!

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    1. Thank you Cathleen. I had a great time visiting your blog. Have a wonderful Summer break!

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  12. That pasta looks very tempting. I bet the it tastes really good! Love this kind of salad!

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    1. Thank you Marcela. It must be exciting to move to NYC. May this new chapter of your life be filled with friends and laughter.

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  13. Your pasta looks so refreshing and inviting. So perfect for the hotter days. :) Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thank you Amy. I can't believe you made homemade 'Pocky' And it look great! I have to get freeze dried strawberry.

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  14. What a beautiful summer pasta dish! It's funny because last week I made pasta alla carbonara... I've been craving it for ages... and realised we no longer eat pasta (only rice and bread). Pasta is such a great quick and delicious meal idea at any time of the year.
    Your fruits look so mysterious... I believe you've already mentioned them. I hope I could taste them one day!

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    1. Thank you Sissi. I just visited your blog and I want to make the yogurt strawberry mousse again and I would like to try the new recipe too. You're awesome!

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  15. 30度越しの暑さの5月も6月の梅雨の入りとともに去り、25度前後の比較的涼しい日が続いています。晴れると蒸し暑い、雨だと肌寒い、文字通りunder the weather にならないよう気をつけねば。美味しそうなパスタ、見た目に食欲そそります。バルサミコ酢がすっきり効いてるでしょうね。そうめんに応用は無理でしょうか? 

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    1. コメントありがとうございます。 相変わらず豪華な写真ばかりで、本当に写しかた、教えてほしいです。そうめん? いいアイデアですね。よし、次回はそれで行こう! 簡単に作れるので、時間に追われている時にはいい料理です。

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  16. Hi Nippon Nin,

    I'm seeing many beautiful summery mood and colour in your food and post... In contrast, it is cloudy and windy here in Melbourne... So sad :(

    ... but I'm very happy :) that your husband and his friends like the soft yogurt bread. I like his idea of using it to make cinnamon rolls... they look irresistibly good!

    Zoe

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    1. Thank you Zoe. It has been very hot...I'm glad that tomorrow will be much cooler...phew! I'm wishing you a little sunshine for you tomorrow.
      I have to have the caramel ice cream this weekend...looks fantastic!

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