Name: French Onion Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 white onions, sliced very thin; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt (for the onions); 2–3 garlic cloves, minced; 3/4 pound farfalle (bow-tie) pasta; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup vinegar (white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar); 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped chives; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; Freshly cracked black pepper to taste; 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional); 1 cup cooked shredded chicken breast (optional); 1/2 cup diced cucumber (optional); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional); Toasted walnuts or sliced almonds (optional); Capers or cornichons (optional); Smoked paprika or crushed red pepper (optional)

Description

A comforting and easy French Onion Pasta Salad that mixes caramelized onions and farfalle pasta with a creamy dressing, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

2 white onions, sliced very thin
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt (for the onions)
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 pound farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup vinegar (white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
1 cup cooked shredded chicken breast (optional)
1/2 cup diced cucumber (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Toasted walnuts or sliced almonds (optional)
Capers or cornichons (optional)
Smoked paprika or crushed red pepper (optional)

Instructions

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Stir every 3–5 minutes until the onions caramelize, which will take about 40–50 minutes.
Add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking and then scoop the onions onto a plate to cool.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 3/4 pound of farfalle until al dente.
Reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and rinse briefly under cool water.
Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, parsley, chives, and soy sauce in a medium bowl.
Combine the cooled pasta with the dressing in a large mixing bowl. Add the caramelized onions and any optional add-ons.
Serve at room temperature or chilled, letting it rest for 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

For best results, let the salad sit for a while to meld the flavors together. You can personalize with various add-ons but keep it simple for picky eaters.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pasta salad,French onion,comfort food,quick dinner,make-ahead