Mediterranean Whole Grain Pasta Salad with Feta, Tuna, and Olives
This Mediterranean-inspired Whole Grain Pasta Salad is a delicious and nutritious mix, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Packed with hearty whole wheat rotini, protein-rich tuna, and tangy feta cheese, this dish is vibrant and full of flavor. The addition of fresh vegetables and a homemade dressing made with honey and white wine vinegar creates a delightful balance, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a side dish at your next gathering. Dive into a colorful medley of Mediterranean tastes that will leave your taste buds singing!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat rotini
1 lb (cooked)
onion powder
2 teaspoons (none)
mustard powder
1 tablespoon (none)
white wine vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
honey
4 tablespoons (none)
extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups (none)
red bell pepper
1 (chopped)
feta cheese
6 ounces (crumbled)
tomato
1 (chopped)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (none)
pitted black olives
4 ounces (sliced)
grilled tuna
6 ounces (cut into pieces)
Instructions
1
In a bowl, combine the onion powder, mustard powder, white wine vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until well mixed.
2
Gradually add the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth dressing.
3
Chop the red bell pepper and set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked whole wheat rotini, chopped red bell pepper, crumbled feta cheese, chopped tomato, grated parmesan cheese, sliced black olives, and pieces of grilled tuna.
5
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
6
Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added flavor and color.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is a Mediterranean Whole Grain Pasta Salad featuring feta cheese, grilled tuna, and black olives.
What type of pasta should I use?
You should use 1 pound of cooked whole wheat rotini pasta.
How much tuna is needed for this salad?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of grilled tuna, cut into pieces.
What are the ingredients for the homemade dressing?
The dressing is made with onion powder, mustard powder, white wine vinegar, honey, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
How much honey is in the dressing?
The dressing requires 4 tablespoons of honey for sweetness.
What kind of cheese is used in this pasta salad?
The recipe uses both 6 ounces of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Which vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes one chopped red bell pepper and one chopped tomato.
What kind of olives should I buy?
You will need 4 ounces of pitted black olives, which should be sliced.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the first step in preparing the dressing?
Whisk together the onion powder, mustard powder, white wine vinegar, honey, and salt until well mixed.
How do I incorporate the olive oil into the dressing?
Gradually add the 1 1/2 cups of extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth texture.
Should the pasta salad be served hot or cold?
The salad should be served chilled or at room temperature.
How should I prepare the red bell pepper?
The red bell pepper should be chopped before being added to the mixing bowl.
Is there a recommended garnish for this dish?
Yes, you can garnish the salad with fresh parsley or cilantro for added color and flavor.
Does the salad benefit from sitting before serving?
Yes, letting the salad sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together.
What is the flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is a balance of tangy white wine vinegar, sweet honey, and savory mustard and onion powders.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious mix with heart-healthy whole grains and protein-rich tuna.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Tuna dishes.
How much onion powder is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of onion powder.
How much mustard powder should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of mustard powder.
How much white wine vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of white wine vinegar.
What type of olives are specified?
The recipe specifies pitted black olives.
What are some tags associated with this dish?
Tags include pasta salad, mediterranean, tuna, feta cheese, healthy, and whole grain.
Can this be used as a side dish?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for a light lunch or a side dish at a gathering.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is the tuna used fresh or canned?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of grilled tuna cut into pieces.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to the dressing base.
What shape of pasta is recommended?
Whole wheat rotini (corkscrew shape) is recommended.
Is the parmesan cheese shredded or grated?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple mixing and tossing steps.