Crunchy Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

Pasta

• 1 lb dry bowtie pasta

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1/3 cup grated parmesan

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Salad

• 4 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped

• 6 radishes, thinly sliced

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions:

1. Boil the pasta: Cook bowtie pasta in salted water until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain well and pat dry so it crisps instead of steams.

2. Season the pasta: Toss the drained pasta with olive oil, grated parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

3. Air-fry until crunchy: Spread the pasta in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air-fry at 390°F, shaking halfway, until golden and crunchy. Let cool fully so it stays crisp.

4. Prep the vegetables: Combine iceberg lettuce, radishes, cucumber, and red onion in a large bowl. Keep cold until serving.

5. Whisk the dressing: Whisk olive oil, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and black pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust lemon or maple to balance.

6. Assemble and serve: Dress the vegetables, then add the crunchy pasta right before serving so it keeps its crunch. Toss lightly and serve immediately.