French Onion Pasta Salad 

Inspired by the popular French onion dip, this French Onion Pasta Salad from Foods of Jane is a creamy, delicious twist on classic pasta salad with rich caramelized onions and just a hint of umami. Featuring sour cream, mayo, white wine vinegar, and soy sauce, this dish manages to be both tangy and deeply savory. The caramelized onions require low-and-slow cooking (about 45 minutes), but the result is worth it—a deeply flavorful base that elevates a simple bowl of pasta into something comforting and unique. Ideal chilled or at room temperature, it’s great for potlucks or everyday meals.

Ingredients

• 2 onions (white recommended), sliced super thin
  
  

• 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  
  

• ¼ tsp salt (for the onions)
  
  

• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  
  

• ¾ lb farfalle pasta (or bow-tie pasta), cooked and cooled
  
  

• ½ cup sour cream
  
  

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
  
  

• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
  
  

• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  
  

• 2 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley
  
  

• 1 Tbsp chopped chives (plus reserved strands for topping)
  
  

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook sliced onions over low heat in EVOO with ¼ tsp salt. Stir occasionally every 3–5 minutes until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 45 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking and stir until fragrant
   
   

2. While onions caramelize, boil salted water and cook farfalle according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, parsley, chives, and soy sauce to make the dressing. Adjust thickness with a tablespoon of reserved pasta water if needed.
   
   

4. Combine cooled pasta and dressing in a large bowl; stir gently to coat pasta evenly.
   
   

5. Reserve some caramelized onions and parsley or chives for garnish, then top the pasta with them along with freshly cracked black pepper.
   
   

6. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days.
   
   

Nutrients (Approximate per Serving; serves ~6)

• Calories: ~300–350 kcal
  
  

• Total Fat: ~14 g (from olive oil, mayo, sour cream)
  
  

• Carbohydrates: ~35–40 g
  
  

• Protein: ~6–8 g
  
  

• Sodium: ~350–450 mg (varies by mayo and soy sauce)
  
  

• Fiber: ~2–3 g
  
  

• Sugar: ~3–4 g