Pasta with Quinoa

Pasta with Quinoa is a delightful fusion of traditional Greek flavors and nutritious ingredients. This dish combines al dente pasta with protein-rich quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat pasta - 150 grams
• Quinoa - 50 grams
• Cherry tomatoes - 100 grams, halved
• Cucumber - 1 medium, diced
• Red onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Feta cheese - 50 grams, crumbled
• Kalamata olives - 50 grams, pitted and sliced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 1 clove, minced
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a separate saucepan, rinse the quinoa under cold water. Add the quinoa and 150 ml of water to the saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and quinoa. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced Kalamata olives.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta and quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a refreshing cold dish.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 57 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein due to quinoa and feta cheese.
• Rich in dietary fiber from whole wheat pasta and vegetables.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil and olives.

Tags