Introduction
You are finding searching for a dish that is light yet full of flavor and will captivate everyone at your next party? Goat Cheese Party Pasta Salad – Easy Pakistani Style is the answer! It is a perfect selection because it is creamy, colorful, and packed with the delightful goat cheese’s rich sourness and at the same time, it has the usual Pakistani flavors like fresh coriander, green chilies, and a little masala.
This pasta salad is suitable for anyone meals, whether it is a dinner, a picnic, or a casual gathering, it can be served either as a side dish or even a main dish. The creamy and slightly briny goat cheese gives a nice contrast to the crunchy vegetables and other add items and the soft pasta. And the best part, it is very simple to make, affordable, and tastes just incredible, whether it is cold or at room temperature!
Now, let’s get into this fun and delicious recipe that unites the best of both worlds — the Western-style salad with a Pakistani touch.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Pasta (penne or fusilli) | 2 cups | Boiled and drained |
| Goat cheese | ½ cup | Crumbled |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp | Extra virgin preferred |
| Fresh coriander | 2 tbsp | Chopped finely |
| Green chilies | 2 | Chopped, optional for spice |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup | Halved |
| Cucumber | 1 medium | Diced |
| Red onion | ½ | Sliced thin |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
| Salt | To taste | Adjust as needed |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Garlic | 1 clove | Finely minced |
| Mayonnaise | 2 tbsp | Optional for creamier texture |
Cooking Time & Serving
• PREPARATION TIME-10 minute
• COOKING TIME-10 minutes (till Pasta gets cooked)
• TOTAL TIME-20 minutes
• SERVINGS-4-5 persons
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Take a good-sized pot filled with water and salt, and boil the pasta in it till it is nearly al dente. Get rid of the water and then pour cold water over the pasta to stop the cooking process. Let it cool down all the way and put it aside.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and green chilies to the dressing. Toss gently to coat the veggies with the flavor.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
Now, add the cooled pasta into the bowl. Mix everything gently so that the dressing evenly coats the pasta and vegetables.
Step 5: Add Goat Cheese and Coriander
Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and chopped coriander over the salad. Toss again lightly to mix but don’t over-stir (you want visible chunks of cheese).
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Put inside refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, and taste the happiness as the flavors do merge magically. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
• Creamy or tasty pasta should always be cooled prior to fusion with cheese or veggies; otherwise.
• Even than creamier taste, throw in a tablespoon of yogurt or mayonnaise.
• Boiled sweet corn or grilled chicken can also be added for more protein.
• If you want a softer taste, go for milder goat cheese.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
History of the Dish
The pasta salad came from Europe and soon became one of the most loved ones in Western cuisine, particularly for picnics and parties. However, over the years, the Pakistani chefs have changed the recipe a little by adding strong local flavors – green chilies, coriander, and lemon – which are now more favorable to our taste buds. This fusion version with goat cheese combines the creamy tang of Western cheese and the spiciness of Pakistani seasonings, thus presenting a dish that is both unique and refreshing enough to be served on any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve now it cold as a complement to BBQ, sandwiches, or grilled kebabs.
• To transform it into a full meal, include some boiled eggs or shredded chicken.
• Moreover, it is good for dipping during Ramadan iftar or outdoor family gatherings.
• Top with more coriander or add crushed red pepper for a hotter flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcooking pasta: It gets soft and the texture is gone.
2. Chilling not done: The salad should be at its best when cold.
3. Excessive to cheese use: Goat cheese is pungent, thus a tiny bit works wonders.
4. Not harmonizing acidity: Lemon juice is the main ingredient to offset the creamy flavor.
Storage Method
It is hassle-free to store leftovers in the fridge inside an airtight container for 48 hours. Goat cheese is not the best to freeze, hence, refrain from putting it in the freezer. If the salad is somewhat not moist, just put some olive oil, stir again and you are ready to serve.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use feta cheese instead of goat cheese?
Answer, you can replace goat cheese with feta or even cream cheese for a milder taste.
Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Answer, Absolutely! In fact, it tastes better when made a few hours before serving.
Q3: What pasta works best?
Answer, Short pastas like penne, rotini, or fusilli work great as they hold the dressing and cheese well.
Q4: Is this recipe vegetarian?
Answer, Yes! It’s a perfect vegetarian party dish, but you can always add chicken if you like.
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