French Onion Pasta Salad

French onion pasta salad is the ultimate blend of sweet caramelized onions and tangy creamy dressing tied together with tender farfalle this dish is my summer BBQ go to and a crowd-pleaser for potlucks with its nod to French onion soup but in refreshing pasta salad form

I first threw this together when I was craving French onion soup but wanted something lighter for a picnic it quickly became my potluck standby now everyone requests it at family reunions

Ingredients

• White onions: For deep sweetness and bold flavor look for firm and heavy onions for best caramelization
• Extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing and blending flavors choose a fruity and fresh oil for the richest taste
• Salt: To draw moisture from onions and balance the dish opt for sea salt if available
• Garlic cloves: For aromatic punch fresh cloves always beat pre-minced garlic
• Farfalle pasta: The base for holding dressing and onions to perfection grab bronze-cut pasta for best sauce adherence
• Sour cream: Brings creamy tang that mimics the richness of soup seek out full-fat sour cream for extra body
• Mayonnaise: Adds a silky finish and richness stick to real mayonnaise for best texture
• White wine vinegar: A splash of brightness to cut richness look for high-quality aged vinegar
• Fresh parsley: Brings herby freshness flat-leaf varieties offer the most flavor
• Chives: For subtle oniony flavor and green color use fresh chives not dried
• Soy sauce: Adds depth umami and savory balance opt for naturally brewed if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Onions:

Slice white onions thin to help them cook evenly set aside garlic for later

Caramelize the Onions:

Place onions in a large skillet with extra virgin olive oil over low heat letting them slowly soften and develop color stir every few minutes for 35 minutes for deep caramelization season with salt after about 15 minutes which helps release moisture and concentrates the sweetness

Add the Garlic:

Once onions are a rich golden brown add minced garlic cook gently for about one minute until fragrant keeping heat low so garlic does not burn

Cook the Pasta:

Meanwhile bring a large pot of salted water to a boil add farfalle pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions drain and spread out on a tray to cool quickly and prevent sticking

Make the Dressing:

In a medium bowl mix together sour cream mayonnaise white wine vinegar chopped parsley chives and soy sauce taste and adjust seasonings if needed you are looking for a zippy creamy base

Combine:

Toss cooled pasta with dressing and caramelized onions reserve a spoonful of onions for topping fold everything gently for even distribution

Finish and Serve:

Spoon reserved onions on top scatter with extra parsley leaves and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper this salad can be served at room temperature or chilled for a couple of hours to meld flavors

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The caramelized onions are what make this dish special everyone in my family gathers in the kitchen eager for a taste even before it’s finished

Storage Tips

Leftover salad holds up well in the fridge for three to four days always store in a tightly covered container to keep the pasta from drying out if making ahead stir in a bit more sour cream before serving to refresh the texture and flavor

Ingredient Substitutions

Farfalle is lovely but rotini or penne work well especially with thick dressings Greek yogurt can stand in for some or all of the sour cream for a tangier note if you are looking for dairy-free options try vegan mayo and a plant-based sour cream there is flexibility for fresh herbs too dill and tarragon both work

Serving Suggestions

Perfect summer salad for picnics or potlucks thanks to its resilience at room temp I love serving this next to grilled chicken or veggie skewers for a complete meal for extra crunch add homemade croutons or a handful of crispy onions on top you can even turn leftovers into a wrap with leafy greens

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This pasta salad is a modern twist on a classic that bridges comfort and freshness perfectly for every occasion

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I caramelize the onions properly?

Cook thinly sliced onions slowly over low heat with olive oil, stirring every few minutes until they're soft and golden brown. This process takes about 20-30 minutes and brings out the onions' natural sweetness.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work well. Choose a shape that holds the creamy dressing and onions.

→ Is it best served warm or cold?

You can serve it either at room temperature or chilled. Chilling allows the flavors to develop further for a tasty, refreshing dish.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can replace sour cream for a similar tangy taste and creamy texture.

→ Do the herbs need to be fresh?

Fresh parsley and chives provide vibrant flavor, but dried alternatives can be used—just reduce the amount by half.