French Onion Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This French Onion Pasta Salad brings together the rich, sweet flavor of caramelized onions with a creamy, tangy dressing and tender farfalle pasta. It’s a unique twist on classic flavors that works perfectly as a side dish or a light meal. Worth the slow cooking time, this salad is full of depth and comfort.

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 very thin. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over low heat and add the onions along with the salt. Cook slowly, stirring every 3–5 minutes, until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 45 minutes. In the last minute, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Step 2: While the onions are caramelizing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, chopped parsley, chives, and soy sauce to make the dressing. Adjust the consistency with a little cooled pasta water if needed.
4. Step 4: Toss the cooled pasta with the dressing. Save some caramelized onion strands for garnish.
5. Step 5: Top the pasta salad with the reserved caramelized onions, additional parsley leaves, and freshly cracked black pepper before serving. Enjoy at room temperature or chilled.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper onion flavor, use a mix of white and yellow onions.
• Add toasted walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture contrast.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter dressing.
• Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Before serving, you can let it sit out for 15-20 minutes to soften the flavors. Stir gently if separated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it actually benefits from sitting overnight as the flavors meld together. Just store it covered in the fridge and stir before serving.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente and rinse it briefly under cold water after draining to wash off excess starch. Tossing it with a little olive oil before mixing with the dressing also helps keep it separated.

French Onion Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 147 reviews

A creamy and flavorful French Onion Pasta Salad featuring caramelized onions, farfalle pasta, and a tangy dressing made with sour cream, mayo, white wine vinegar, and fresh herbs. This salad is a delicious twist on classic French onion flavors served cold or at room temperature, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a unique pasta side dish.

• Author: Victoria
• 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

Caramelized Onions

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

Pasta Salad

• 3/4 lb farfalle pasta (a little more than half a standard 1 lb 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 very thinly. Heat olive oil in a skillet over low heat, add the sliced onions and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally every 3-5 minutes until the onions become soft and golden brown, about 45 minutes. During the last minute, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Set aside and reserve some caramelized onion strands for garnish.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and let it cool completely before mixing into the salad.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, chopped parsley, chopped chives, and soy sauce. Adjust the dressing thickness by adding a bit of the cooled pasta cooking water if necessary. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
4. Assemble the Salad: Toss the cooled pasta with the prepared dressing. Top the salad with the reserved caramelized onions, additional parsley leaves, and freshly cracked black pepper for garnish.
5. Serve and Store: The pasta salad is delicious served chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes

• Caramelizing onions is a slow process but imparts deep flavor; be patient and cook on low heat.
• Saving some caramelized onions for garnish adds a beautiful visual and flavor touch.
• The dressing can be adjusted in thickness using pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
• This salad can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for a couple of days, making it great for meal prep.
• Use white wine vinegar for the best tangy flavor, but apple cider vinegar may be substituted if needed.

Keywords: French Onion Pasta Salad, caramelized onion pasta salad, farfalle salad, creamy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad