Description
A delightful twist on classic pasta salad featuring sweet caramelized onions and a creamy, tangy dressing. This sophisticated dish combines the beloved flavors of French onion with al dente pasta for a perfect side dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 white onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 pound farfalle pasta
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Fresh cracked black pepper, for garnish
- Additional parsley leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions
- Slice the onions very thinly and add them to a skillet with olive oil over low heat. Season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally every 3-5 minutes, until they become soft and golden brown. This slow cooking process develops the sweet, complex flavor of caramelized onions. During the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant. The entire caramelization process takes about 45 minutes but yields incredible flavor. Reserve a few strands of caramelized onions for topping.
- Cook the Pasta
- While the onions are caramelizing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and allow it to cool before combining with the dressing. Save some pasta water for adjusting the dressing consistency if needed.
- Prepare the Dressing
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, chopped parsley, chopped chives, and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly until well blended. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the dressing seems too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Assemble the Pasta Salad
- Add the cooled pasta to the dressing and fold gently to coat all the pasta evenly. Incorporate most of the caramelized onions, saving some for garnish. Mix carefully to distribute all ingredients evenly throughout the salad.
- Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish. Top with the reserved caramelized onions, parsley leaves, and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- For the best flavor, allow the pasta salad to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- The caramelization process is crucial – don’t rush it by using high heat as this will cause the onions to burn rather than caramelize.
- This pasta salad can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- For a more robust flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-French Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg