Pasta con Insalata

Pasta con Insalata is a vibrant Italian dish that combines al dente pasta with a refreshing salad, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This healthy main dish is not only colorful but also packed with nutrients, making it a delightful and wholesome meal.

Pasta con Insalata
20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Italian
350 kcal

Ingredients

  • Whole wheat pasta - 150 grams
  • Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams, halved
  • Cucumber - 1 medium, diced
  • Red onion - 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Bell pepper (any color) - 1 medium, diced
  • Kalamata olives - 50 grams, pitted and sliced
  • Feta cheese - 50 grams, crumbled
  • Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
  • Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
  • Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - to taste
  • Black pepper - to taste
  • Fresh basil - a handful, chopped

Steps

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the salad by mixing the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese in a large bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly.
  5. Add the cooled pasta to the salad bowl and pour the dressing over the top, gently tossing everything together to combine.
  6. Finish with fresh basil on top and serve immediately, or refrigerate for 15 minutes for a colder option.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Carbs: 45 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in whole grains, providing fiber for digestive health.
  • Loaded with vitamins and antioxidants from fresh vegetables.

Tags

ItalianHealthyMain Dish