Mary Berry Pasta Salad

Name: Mary Berry's Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 350g Fusilli pasta; 200g Cherry tomatoes, halved; 400g can Chickpeas, drained; 1 medium Cucumber, diced; 200g Feta cheese, crumbled; Fresh herbs (parsley, mint, basil) for dressing

Dive into the world of easy and delightful pasta recipes with Mary Berry's Pasta Salad. This dish is a standout in Mary Berry's repertoire, embodying simplicity, flavor, and the comfort of home cooking. Known for her straightforward and delicious recipes, Mary Berry brings to your table a pasta salad that is both quick to prepare and satisfying.

Mary Berry's Pasta Salad: A Quick Overview

This pasta salad is a perfect blend of fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, cucumbers, feta cheese, and a savory herb-infused dressing. It's a colorful and refreshing dish that promises to be a hit at any gathering. The recipe hails from the esteemed Mary Berry, a name synonymous with quality and simplicity in home cooking.

Cultural and Historical Context

Mary Berry is a cherished figure in the culinary world, with a career spanning several decades. Her recipes, including this pasta salad, often reflect a blend of traditional British cooking with influences from Mediterranean and other cuisines, making her dishes a delightful fusion of flavors and cultures.

Ingredients List for Mary Berry's Pasta Salad

For this vibrant salad, you'll need:

Fusilli pasta - 350g
Cherry tomatoes, halved - 200g
Chickpeas, drained - 400g can
Cucumbers, diced - 1 medium
Feta cheese, crumbled - 200g
Fresh herbs for the dressing (parsley, mint, or basil recommended)

Preparation Instructions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity:

Cook the pasta until al dente, then cool under running water.
Combine the pasta with the vegetables and chickpeas in a large bowl.
Prepare the dressing by blending the herbs with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Toss everything together and garnish with crumbled feta cheese.

Storage and Reheating

This pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It's not recommended for freezing due to the fresh ingredients used. For the best experience, bring it to room temperature before serving if it has been chilled.

Nutritional Information

While specific nutritional values depend on the exact ingredients used, this pasta salad is a good source of fiber from the chickpeas and vegetables, provides calcium from the feta cheese, and offers vitamins and minerals from the fresh produce.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mary Berry's Pasta Salad

Can I substitute the feta cheese? Yes, mozzarella or goat cheese are excellent alternatives.
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians? Absolutely, this dish is vegetarian-friendly.

Mary Berry's Pasta Salad is a testament to her philosophy of cooking: straightforward, delicious, and always a pleasure to share. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a testament to the joy of simple ingredients coming together in a delightful dish.