This fresh macaroni salad is all about fresh ingredients, good balance, and simple preparation. Don’t cut the ingredients too early, and only add the dressing or salt at the very end so the salad stays fresh.
Serve the salad as lunch, a side dish, or part of a larger table. With a good oil, vinegar, or herby finish, you give the dish more depth without much extra work.
Why this cold macaroni salad is the dish of the season
There is something especially elegant about a pasta salad, especially when it is created on the spot. Think: light flavors, fresh ingredients, and a touch of something special. This version brings together everything we expect from spring and summer: effortless luxury with an edge.
- Quick to prepare (within 30 minutes!)
- Easy to customize to taste
- Perfect for outdoor dining or as meal prep
- a fresh twist thanks to Nicolas Vahé products
Ingredients: simple & elegant
For four people, you’ll need the following:
- 320 g macaroni or other short pasta
- Fresh cherry tomatoes
- 1 zucchini
- A handful of arugula
- Soft, creamy mozzarella
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Nicolas Vahé salt with lemon & thyme
- Nicolas Vahé pepper with lemon
How to make the perfect cold macaroni salad
- Cook the macaroni al dente according to the instructions on the package. Rinse briefly with cold water and drain well.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and slice the zucchini thinly. Lightly fry or grill the zucchini for extra flavor.
- Make the dressing: mix olive oil with the salt with lemon & thyme and some pepper with lemon for a fresh kick.
- Combine the macaroni, vegetables, and arugula in a large bowl. Tear the mozzarella over the top.
- Drizzle generously with the fresh dressing. Toss loosely – this salad can be served quite casually.
Table styling tips: serve in style
- tableware: Minimalist, with natural materials and light colors.
- Mix & match: Combine different bowls and cutlery for a casual-chic effect.
- Fresh herbs: Garnish with extra arugula, basil, or mint for a fresh look.
Variations & combinations to enjoy
Play around with the salad to suit your taste – simple cooking loves improvisation. Try for example:
- Extra crunch? Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- Prefer vegetarian? Use vegan mozzarella or leave out the cheese.
- More heat? Sprinkle some chili flakes over the salad for a spicy touch.
- Other vegetables? Grilled asparagus, artichoke, or baby spinach work beautifully.
Which flavor boosters go well with this?
The products from Nicolas Vahé elevate any salad to a higher level with their pure, natural aromas. Discover the complete Nicolas Vahé collection and give your home and kitchen that distinctive Scandinavian-cosmopolitan vibe that hetadreswebshop.nl is known for.
Summary & inspiration
Light, summery, and with a fresh twist – this cold macaroni salad brings Northern Europe to your table. Feeling inspired to get started right away? Discover all the ingredients and stylish serving accessories in our Nicolas Vahé collection and enjoy beautiful presentation and flavor!
Frequently asked questions
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How long does cold macaroni salad keep in the fridge?
Store the salad covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a good toss before serving. -
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! Cook the pasta and prepare the vegetables. Add the dressing and mozzarella just before serving. -
Which Nicolas Vahé products go best with this dish?
The salt with lemon & thyme and pepper with lemon provide a fresh, balanced flavor.
Read also: Want to read more about this topic? Then also check out our article on light summer recipes.
