If you are looking for a flavorfully elevated pasta salad that has a combination of sweet taste and a lot of crunch, this is the salad for you. Some of the ingredients you will enjoy include apples, walnuts, and celery. This abundance of flavors is all brought together with freshly prepared mayonnaise.
The Recipe
This fresh and delicious recipe was inspired by the Pasta & Italian Complete Cooking cookbook. This crisp and creamy pasta salad would make an excellent addition as a side salad to a meal and would also make a big hit at a summer outdoor gathering, such as a barbeque. If enjoying outside, just make sure to keep refrigerated to ensure the mayonnaise doesn’t spoil.
The Ingredients
Serves 4
2 Large Lettuces
9 Ounces Dried Penne
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
8 Red Eating Apples
Juice of 4 Lemons
1 Head of Celery, Sliced
3/4 Cup Shelled, Halved Walnuts
1 1/8 Cups Fresh Garlic Mayonnaise
Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Lettuce
For the lettuce, wash, drain and then pat dry with paper towels. Put them in the refrigerator for an hour until crisp.
Making the Pasta
Next, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and olive oil and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and run under cold water. Drain thoroughly and then set aside.
Mixing Ingredients
Prepare the apples by coring and dicing them. Place them in a small bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice to help prevent browning.
Next, mix together the pasta, celery, apples, and walnuts and toss together with the garlic mayonnaise.
If you would like to prepare your own homemade garlic mayonnaise from scratch, beat two egg yolks with a pinch of salt as well as six minced garlic cloves. Begin with beating in 1 1/2 cups of olive oil, one to two teaspoons at a time, using a whisk or electric mixer. When you have about one-quarter of the oil incorporated into the mixture, beat in one to two tablespoons of white wine vinegar. Continue beating the oil, adding it in a thin and continuous stream. Lastly, stir in one teaspoon of Dijon mustard and season to your liking with salt and pepper.
Making the Finishing Touches
Line a salad bowl with lettuce leaves and then spoon the pasta salad into the bowl. Your salad is now ready to serve and enjoy.
