White Sauce Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon black tea powder
• 12 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., farfalle, penne, or fusilli)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup seedless cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

Prepare the Black Tea:

• In a small bowl, mix the black tea powder with 1/2 cup of hot water. Allow the tea to steep for 3-4 minutes, then strain and let it cool.

Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, then rinse with cold water to cool completely.

Prepare the White Sauce:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and cooled black tea until smooth.

Assemble the Salad:

• In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and chopped basil.
• Pour the white sauce over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Drizzle with olive oil and toss again to combine.

Serve:

• Serve the white sauce pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the refrigerator for later.
• Enjoy your White Sauce Pasta Salad with a subtle black tea flavor, perfect for a picnic, potluck, or light lunch.