Might sound a little odd coming from a guy, but having a good salad once in a while is a great treat and a super change of pace from the norm of sandwiches, pizza, or any fast food burgers. Scratch that burger stuff right? That is unless you’re making it yourself.
The great thing about this meal is that if you’re not making it as a treat for you, a loved one and some friends, you can refrigerate it and have it over the course of several days. Cuts down on the amount of cooking/creating you need to do.
Ingredients*:
- 8 – ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 – cup of cut plum tomatoes (roughly 1/2 inch pieces)
- 1/4 – cup of chopped whole green onions
- 1/4 – cup of chopped fresh basil
- 3 – tablespoons lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1/4 – teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/3 – cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 – cloves fresh garlic halved
- 3/4 – teaspoon dried rosemary (crumbled)
- 3/4 – teaspoon dried marjoram (crumbled)
Preparation:
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions (unless you’re making the pasta fresh yourself – nothing beats fresh homemade pasta!) Drain and rise under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the macaroni to a large mixing bowl. Add the tomatoes, green onions, basil, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss the ingredients together.
In a 8″ frying pan heat the olive oil over low heat and add the halved garlic, rosemary and marjoram. sauté for about 5 minutes making sure to rotate and turn the garlic as it colors. Continue until the the garlic is golden colored and the oil is very fragrant.
Strain the oil into the macaroni mixture, being sure to strain out the garlic and herbs. Then toss the mixture to combine fully.
Serve at room temperature or chilled. Salad will keep for several days refrigerated and serves 6.
Cue the screaming guitars and slam! You’ve got a superior lunch salad!
Prep Time: 7 minutes. Total Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (15 if not done concurrently)
You can cut down on cooking time if you increase the prep time by a minute or two and cooking the oil at the same time you’re boiling the macaroni.
* Organic ingredients are recommended. It is possible to find fresh macaroni, or even better yet to make it entirely yourself (easy to make your own then freeze it until needed). Most markets now have fresh organic tomatoes, lemons and basil. I would recommend growing your own basil and herbs. Easy kits are available at most garden stores.