mediterranean pasta salad

pasta salad 1.jpeg

Homemade pasta salad recipes are great to have in your back pocket. I’m not sure why we think of them during warm weather, but they are a meal in a bowl, so I think they work anytime of year. I choose Mediterranean ingredients and went crazy. This works as an amazing side to steak or grilled chicken and I love to store leftovers in the fridge for an easy lunch.

I use gluten free pasta, because that is how we roll, but any pasta of choice works and if you want to make it a meal, just add the protein to the dish and serve. Did I say how easy this is?

I do have a trick for you to make serving even faster. After you boil the pasta, and are ready to pour the ingredients into the bowl, place the spinach at the bottom (pour hot pasta on top) and your spinach will wilt perfectly.

I also used my homemade Italian Dressing recipe, but you can opt for store bought if you are looking for another easy step. I am always talking about choosing healthy ingredients and making your own condiments is a great way to control eating food that might not be that great for you.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound gluten free pasta (Barilla)

  • 1 pint organic tomatoes

  • 4 cups fresh organic spinach

  • 1 organic red pepper

  • 1 cup crumbled feta

  • 1 jar artichoke hearts (in water, drained)

  • 1 cup Kalamata olives (cut in half)

  • 3/4 cup Homemade Italian Dressing (pasta soaks up liquid, so keep extra on hand)

pasta salad 2.jpeg

Directions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente.

  • In a large serving bowl, place spinach, sprinkle with salt and pepper pour hot drained pasta

  • While pasta is boiling, prepare ingredients. Chop everything into bite sized pieces. Tomato, olives, red pepper, artichoke hearts

  • Crumble feta cheese, I like to buy a block and do it myself. This ensures fillers to keep cheese from caking. Put aside

  • Mix all ingredients together in big serving dish, pour dressing , add feta & mix again.

  • Season with salt and pepper

  • This dish can be served hot, cold or in between and is delicious anyway

  • Store leftovers in a glass container in the fridge

Recipes, salads, Salads, Side dishes, SidesAmy Barbaragluten free pasta salad, gluten free sides, summer dinners, grilling weatherComment