Do you see what’s happening at this very moment?!
Fall is swiftly stealing our sun speckled days; there are tiny traces of the upcoming season silently replacing our precious Summer everywhere I look: Halloween costumes lurking on hangers, pumpkin beer dancing in dark bottles, heavy knit sweaters sitting on shelves promising warmth. I love the crisp days of Autumn and all the spiced pleasures it brings, but I’m just not ready!
I have no solution for us in combating the quickly approaching Fall. I have no secret to holding onto the rapidly receding days of Summer. I have zero answers on why men are such a pain in the ass sometimes or why my new bangs stick straight up in the air when it rains. Gah- these things can be frustrating!
I do have something. I have pasta. Pasta, in Summer’s favorite form- pasta salad. This spiced up version involves a seductive combination of Summer’s two favorite friends: bright basil and perky grape tomatoes. It also pairs up an unlikely duo: smoked gouda and a creamy chipotle pepper sauce. Together they add an amazing heat and smoothness.
This spicy pasta salad is one divine way to wrap your fists around what’s left of Summer’s produce paradise and hold on with everything you’ve got!
Spicy Pasta Salad with Smoke Gouda, Tomatoes, and Basil – The Pioneer Woman
Ingredients
- 12 ounces, weight Mostaccioli
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Whole Milk
- 4 Tablespoons White Vinegar
- 1-1/2 teaspoon Adobo Sauce From Chipotle Peppers (or One Minced Chipotle Pepper)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- Ground Black Pepper To Taste
- 10 ounces, weight Grape Tomatoes, Halved Lengthwise
- 1/2 pound Smoked Gouda Cheese, Cut Into Small Cubes
- 24 whole Basil Leaves (chiffonade)
Cook pasta until done. Drain and rinse in cold water until no longer hot. Set aside.
Mix mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, salt, pepper, and adobo in a small bowl.
In a large bowl, stir together pasta, dressing, halved tomatoes, and cubed Gouda. Taste for seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if needed, and even an extra teaspoons or two of vinegar if necessary. Stir in basil at the end. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.
Rosa says
A scrumptious pasta dish! Gouda has such a wonderful flavor. A great combo.
Cheers,
Rosa
bakerbynature says
Hi Rosa! Gouda is so delicious; I just picked some up early to snack on with crackers – simple dinner tonight!
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite says
This looks soooo good! I have to say that while I do love summer, I must admit that I’m kind of ready for the Fall. I’m tired of being hot and always so.busy.!!
bakerbynature says
Thank you Rachel! I’m looking forward to life returning to normal; I work best on a set schedule. I guess i’m really sad to see the produce go more than the season itself!
Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups says
This looks wonderful. Since I live in Florida, I think my timeframe for pasta salad lasts longer, and I’m not complaining!
bakerbynature says
Hi Jessica! I love your blog name… mainly for the sushi- sit ups and I have our off days. I miss Florida- I was born there! I hope you enjoy pasta salad all year long for me, and let me know if you give this one a try 🙂
Sasha @ The Procrastobaker says
Oh.my.god. How have i not been on your site before!?! You do not understand how many recipes ive bookmarked to try already – that vodka pasta (uh…YES PLEASE, been dying to try that for a while and yours looks ace!) and those chocolate cakes…im in food heaven right now! Seriously your blog is adorably awesome, and this recipe is yet another flavoursome looking dish that is going straight in the to-try file!
bakerbynature says
Hi Sasha!! I was thinking the same thing when I was poking around your lovely space; i’m glad we finally found each other- blog world is SO big! The vodka sauce is killer tasty, I have been using mass amounts of self-control to not make it every night!
Marina says
It’s always good to find some new pasta recipes.. Looks great!
bakerbynature says
Hi Marina! I know what you mean, I am always on the lookout for new pasta creations- it’s such a wonderful starting point to be creative at meal time.
Maya@Foodiva's Kitchen says
Hiya Ashley, I can’t relate to the changing seasons seeing that I’m out here in the tropics, but I can certainly relate to the wonders of this spicy pasta salad. It’s with Gouda too, which I adore! Thanks for swinging by my site, always lovely to meet someone new :-).
bakerbynature says
Tropics?! Hello, i’m jealous! The spicy kick and creamy cheese was just pure pasta bliss. So glad we met too!
Angie@Angiesrecipes says
A really beautiful and fresh pasta dish…summer or autumn, it’s delicious!
bakerbynature says
Thanks Angie! It was bursting with amazing flavor, and the smoked gouda made it heavenly; i’m mourning the fact I have no pasta left to gobble up!
sippitysup says
I live in Los Angeles where summer will hang around til November. In fact our real heat doesn’t get going until September. But your writing puts me in the autumnal spirit nonetheless. Beautiful recipe too. GREG
bakerbynature says
I was actually just thinking about how some of you lucky folk have close to never ending Summers!!! I love the feel of the Fall; cozy sweaters, pumpkin everything, and the warm colors make me croon; it’s the loss of all the blossoming flowers, produce, and fruit that make me tear up.
Erica says
Such a pretty pasta dish!!!! Im never ready for fall.
bakerbynature says
Thanks Erica! Once Fall is here, we will be holding on for dear life; Winter sneaks up like a little devil!
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum says
Looks deeeelicious. I love the smoked gouda in there!
bakerbynature says
Thanks Lindsay! It was tasty, tasty – I wish there was more!