Mediterranean Delight Pasta Salad
This Mediterranean Delight Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings the flavors of the Greek Isles right to your table. Packed with nutritious ingredients like baby spinach, chickpeas, and crumbled feta, this quick and easy-to-make salad combines the textures of bow-tie pasta and fresh produce with a zesty dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or a colorful side dish for any gathering, this salad can be customized with black olives for an extra punch of flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish any time of the year!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
farfalle pasta
3 cups (uncooked)
baby spinach leaves
2 cups (washed and stems removed)
Kraft Greek feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
cherry tomatoes
1 cup (halved)
chickpeas
3/4 cup (canned, drained, and rinsed)
zesty Italian dressing
1/2 cup (ready to use)
dried oregano
2 teaspoons (dried)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
black olives (optional)
1/2 cup (sliced)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked farfalle pasta, baby spinach leaves, crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the zesty Italian dressing, dried oregano, and lemon juice until well blended.
4
Pour the dressing mix over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
5
Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Delight Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing and vibrant pasta salad featuring flavors of the Greek Isles with ingredients like baby spinach, chickpeas, and feta cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of uncooked farfalle pasta, also known as bow-tie pasta.
How long should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the farfalle for approximately 8-10 minutes until it is al dente.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe featuring chickpeas and feta cheese as protein sources.
What ingredients are needed for the dressing?
The dressing consists of zesty Italian dressing, dried oregano, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How should I prepare the baby spinach?
The baby spinach should be washed and have the stems removed before being added to the salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Are there any optional ingredients?
Yes, sliced black olives are an optional addition for an extra punch of flavor.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe specifically mentions using 1 cup of crumbled Kraft Greek feta cheese.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepared?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved before being mixed into the salad.
What should I do after draining the pasta?
Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process.
How do I prepare the chickpeas?
Use canned chickpeas that have been drained and rinsed.
Can I serve this salad at room temperature?
Yes, this salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-blended?
Whisk the Italian dressing, oregano, and lemon juice together in a separate small bowl before pouring over the salad.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the optional black olives.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What amount of feta cheese is needed?
You will need 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While farfalle is recommended, you can substitute other shapes like rotini or penne if needed.
What is the best way to toss the salad?
Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy and light meal option.
How much Italian dressing is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of zesty Italian dressing.
What are the main flavor profiles?
The salad is Mediterranean and Greek-inspired, featuring zesty, salty, and fresh flavors.
How much dried oregano is added?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
What size mixing bowl is needed?
A large mixing bowl is recommended to combine the pasta, spinach, cheese, tomatoes, and chickpeas.
How should I store leftovers?
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick and easy-to-make dish.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the exact measurement isn't specified, the recipe is intended to be divided into 8 servings.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe suggests freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
What are some common occasions for this dish?
It is perfect for light lunches, picnics, or as a colorful side dish for gatherings.