Creamy Avocado and Feta Penne Salad
Indulge in this vibrant and refreshing Creamy Avocado and Feta Penne Salad, perfect for any occasion! This salad combines al dente penne pasta with creamy ripe avocados, tangy feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes to create a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Enhanced with fresh herbs, baby spinach, and peppery rocket, it’s drizzled with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing to awaken your taste buds. Ideal as a side dish or a wholesome meal, this pasta salad is not only satisfying but also nutritious. Share it at your next gathering, picnic, or family dinner for a burst of Mediterranean flavor!
8
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
300 g (cooked according to package instructions and cooled)
ripe avocados
2 (peeled and sliced)
lemon
1 (juice and zest)
sun-dried tomatoes
50 g (packed in oil and drained)
feta cheese
400 g (crumbled)
pine nuts
3 tablespoons (toasted)
Baby Spinach
50 g (fresh)
rocket
2 cups (fresh)
mixed fresh herbs
1/2 cup (e.g. basil, parsley, dill, chopped)
olive oil
4 tablespoons (extra virgin)
capers
1 tablespoon (drained and chopped)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced avocados, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, baby spinach, rocket, and mixed fresh herbs.
3
3. Add the cooled penne pasta to the mixture, and carefully toss everything together to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
4
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped capers. This will create a flavorful dressing.
5
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again lightly to coat all the ingredients evenly.
6
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
20 g
Fat
25 g
Carbs
8.75 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Avocado and Feta Penne Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing pasta salad that combines al dente penne with creamy avocados, tangy feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes in a lemon-olive oil dressing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include penne pasta, ripe avocados, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, baby spinach, rocket, and fresh herbs.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 8.75 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of pasta is used?
The recipe uses 300 grams of penne pasta.
How should the penne pasta be prepared?
Cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
How many avocados do I need?
You will need 2 ripe avocados, peeled and sliced.
What type of cheese is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 400 grams of crumbled feta cheese.
How are the sun-dried tomatoes prepared?
Use 50 grams of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, ensuring they are drained before use.
Do the pine nuts need to be cooked?
Yes, the 3 tablespoons of pine nuts should be toasted.
What greens are included in the salad?
The salad includes 50 grams of fresh baby spinach and 2 cups of fresh rocket.
What herbs are recommended for this dish?
A 1/2 cup of mixed fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, and dill is recommended.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing consists of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped capers.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Are capers used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of drained and chopped capers is included in the dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for a Mediterranean diet?
Yes, it features Mediterranean flavors and ingredients like olive oil, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, it can be served immediately or refrigerated for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dish containing nutritious ingredients like avocado and spinach.
Can this be served as a main meal?
Yes, it is suitable as both a side dish and a wholesome meal.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this a good dish for parties?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as party food and is great for gatherings or picnics.
How do I prepare the lemon?
You should use both the juice and the zest of one lemon.
What type of olive oil should I use?
The recipe specifies using extra virgin olive oil.
How should the avocados be handled?
The avocados should be peeled and sliced before being gently combined with the other ingredients.
When should I add the dressing?
Whisk the dressing separately and drizzle it over the salad after all other ingredients have been tossed together.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad offers a mix of textures, from the al dente pasta and crunchy pine nuts to the creamy avocado.
Can I make this for a summertime event?
Yes, it is tagged as a summertime dish, making it perfect for warm-weather events.