French Onion Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This French Onion Pasta Salad combines the rich, sweet flavor of caramelized onions with a creamy, tangy dressing for a unique twist on classic pasta salad. Perfect for a comforting side dish or a light meal, it’s a labor of love that’s truly worth the time.

Ingredients

• 2 white onions
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (evoo)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 3/4 lb farfalle pasta
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the onions thinly. In a skillet over low heat, cook them with olive oil and salt, stirring occasionally every 3-5 minutes until soft and caramelized, about 45 minutes. During the last minute, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions, then drain and allow it to cool.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, chopped parsley, chives, and soy sauce. Adjust the dressing thickness with a little cooled pasta water if needed.
4. Step 4: Toss the cooled pasta with the dressing. Reserve some caramelized onion strands for garnish.
5. Step 5: Top the pasta salad with reserved caramelized onions, parsley leaves, and freshly cracked black pepper before serving. Enjoy at room temperature or chilled.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, use a mix of white and yellow onions or add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the dressing.
• If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute some of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
• Save some cooking water to adjust the dressing’s consistency for a creamier texture.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It can be served chilled or at room temperature. If chilled, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to soften the flavors.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works well in this salad. Just cook according to the package directions.

How long does it take to caramelize the onions?

Caramelizing onions slowly on low heat takes about 45 minutes but yields the sweetest, most flavorful result.

French Onion Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 87 reviews

This French Onion Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on traditional pasta salads, featuring slow-caramelized onions, farfalle pasta, and a creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayo, and white wine vinegar. Accented with fresh herbs and a touch of soy sauce, this salad offers rich, savory flavors perfect for a comforting side dish or light meal.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Caramelized Onions

• 2 white onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (evoo)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

For the Pasta Salad

• 3/4 lb farfalle pasta (about a little more than half a standard box)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Slice the onions super thin. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt. Cook slowly, stirring every 3-5 minutes, until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 45 minutes. In the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Remove from heat and reserve a few onion strands for topping.
2. Cook the Pasta: While the onions are caramelizing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, chopped parsley, chopped chives, and soy sauce. Mix well. Adjust the thickness of the dressing by adding some cooled pasta water if needed.
4. Combine Pasta and Dressing: Toss the cooled pasta with the dressing until evenly coated.
5. Assemble and Serve: Transfer the dressed pasta to a serving bowl. Top with reserved caramelized onions, additional parsley leaves, and fresh cracked black pepper. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Notes

• Caramelizing onions is a slow process but greatly enhances flavor; be patient and cook on low heat.
• You can adjust the dressing thickness with pasta cooking water to your liking.
• Best served at room temperature or chilled for enhanced flavor melding.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed within two days.
• Feel free to substitute white onions with yellow onions if preferred.

Keywords: French Onion Pasta Salad, caramelized onions, farfalle pasta, creamy pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe, French-inspired salad