Pasta Salad

This Halal Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, herbs, and pasta, drizzled with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light meal or a refreshing side dish, it's both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Pasta (fusilli or penne) - 150 grams
• Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams, halved
• Cucumber - 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Red onion - 1/4 medium, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
• Feta cheese (optional, Halal) - 50 grams, crumbled

Steps

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
5. If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and give it one last gentle toss.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 15 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.
• Provides a good source of complex carbohydrates for energy.

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