Imagine a pasta salad so incredibly flavorful and vibrant that it transforms your ordinary meal into a gourmet experience. This Vegan Marinated Mushroom Pasta Salad is not just a dish; it's a culinary adventure that combines the earthy richness of marinated mushrooms with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you're a dedicated vegan, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves delicious food, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Clean and slice the mushrooms into uniform, thin pieces. Add the sliced mushrooms to the marinade and gently toss to coat evenly. Let the mushrooms marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta and marinated mushrooms. Pour any remaining marinade over the pasta and mushrooms to enhance the flavor.
- Finely chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the pasta salad. Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even distribution of herbs and marinade.
- Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended for better taste.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a final gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Use a pasta shape that holds marinades well, like rotini, fusilli, or penne, which have ridges and curves to capture more flavor.
- Marinate Like a Pro: Don't rush the mushroom marinating process. The longer they sit in the balsamic mixture, the more intense the flavor becomes.
- Temperature Matters: Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent overcooking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
- Enhance Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, let the pasta salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to meld together.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: Use fresh parsley and chop it just before adding to maintain maximum flavor and vibrant color.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or olives to make the dish even more exciting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
