Last updated on May 1st, 2016 at 12:54 pm
Once in a new country a shock wave rushes through our heads. A ton of new information that we have to deal with almost instantly appears as soon as we leave the airport. If before it was somewhat chaotic now we are more organized and efficient as ever. It translates into auto-preparedness for everything from analyzing of our surroundings to apartment verification and to cooking.
Today I want to share with your my go to recipe when it comes to first days in a new country. Why this one? It is easy, healthy, and very affordable. In addition, it is available in all countries regardless of season, local economy, and prices. A fool proof dish is bound to get your mind off planning for at least until the next day when you have showered and rested.
Please welcome: Spring pasta salad. I am sure this one existed well before I was born and is common today. However, when it comes to nutrition, taste, aesthetics, and budget this one has it all. Cooking time is easy and fast. Here is the list of ingredients for two people:
Ingredients:
- Pasta half a bag or 250 gr. I prefer it in spirals since it is easier to mix, cooks faster, and retains the juices produced by the salad better.
- Tomatoes 300 gr. I prefer cherry tomatoes since they are sweet and do not produce too much juice, which makes pasta soggy.
- White onion. If it is big then half of it. Shallots or chives also make a good compromise if onion is not available.
- Arugula, rucola, romaine lettuce, or iceberg salad. Any green salad, which is crunchy or non-soggy, will do.
- This one is optional. Here is when you can get creative and add feta, avocado, chicken, and even fried tofu for added protein.
- A bit of extra virgin, cold pressed olive oil for dressing, salt and pepper, and a tablespoon of lemon juice.
How to prepare:
- Boil pasta, to specifications written on the bag, in a salted water. I prefer mine slightly under cooked.
- Cut salad or rip it in the bowl.
Cut tomatoes in half.
Chop onion in cubes or chives in a medium width circles.
Chop in cubes anything else from step 5. - Put all cut ingredients into a bowl and add salt, black pepper, and a Tbs(or two) of olive oil. Add a spritz of lemon. Mix the salad and then add pasta. Then mix it again. Serve.
Tip:
By the time you put pasta into the salad it should be neither hot nor cold.
EEE Voila! Your first fool proof, nutrient full, color infused, protein ready travel meal is ready. Total cost, without step 5, is about 14$ if you use up all ingredients for four people. For two it will be more like 7$ or 3.50 each. Price break down: 2$ Pasta, 3$ Cherry tomatoes, 1.5$ Iceberg lettuce, 1$ white onion, 7$ olive oil.
Moreover, it is healthy, fresh, and lots left over for future cooking experiments, and you can mix and match left over ingredients for the rest of the week.
Did you like the post? What is your favorite and easy to make traveling recipe? Please SHARE, LIKE or comment right below! Cannot wait to cook something you recommend!
