Perfect Pasta Salad
Many of you that know me, know that one of the people I look up to the most in the culinary world is Ree Drummond, also known as Pioneer Woman. When I first started reading her blog and watching her on the Food Network, a passion for cooking was ignited within me and it could not be put out! This recipe is inspired by Ree's Spicy Pasta Salad with Smoked Gouda, Tomatoes, and Basil (link below). My version uses the same knockout trio of smoked gouda, tomatoes, and basil...but I use Penne instead of Mostaccioli and I pair it with my Creamy Buttermilk Dressing. If someone were to ask me what my wildest dream is...it would be cooking side-by-side on the ranch with the Pioneer Woman herself. Maybe...just maybe it might happen one day:)
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 c. lowfat buttermilk
- 2 c. real mayo
- 2 decent sized garlic cloves, grated on a microplain
- ¼ c. sour cream (regular, not lowfat)
- ½ tsp. prepared horseradish, drained
- 1 ½ tsp. organic cane sugar
- ½ tsp. ancho chili powder
- ½ tsp. smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- ¼ tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. salt
Other Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb. uncooked penne pasta
- 1 pint petite grape tomatoes, quartered
- .75 oz. fresh basil, chiffonade (roll a few leaves, thinly slice)
- 16 oz. smoked gouda, cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt to a large pot of water and bring to a boil. It is very important to salt your water, or your pasta salad will be bland.
- Add pasta and cook to "al dente" per package instructions. Do not cook past "al dente" or your pasta salad will be mush!
- While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing. Measure out 2 ½ cups and reserve the remaining amount in the refrigerator.
- Drain pasta. Once pasta has cooled, stir in the 2 ½ c. dressing, basil, cheese, and tomatoes.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Use remaining dressing to freshen the pasta salad if it has been in the refrigerator for a little while (the pasta can tend to soak up the dressing after a few hours). A small splash of milk helps too. Enjoy:)
Notes
Inspired by the Pioneer Woman's recipe for Spicy Pasta Salad with Smoked Gouda, Tomatoes, and Basil , https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/spicy-pasta-salad-with-smoked-gouda-tomatoes-and-basil/
Can’t wait to try this!!!
Thank you Ash! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do:)