Monday, April 8, 2013

Greek Pasta Salad

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Who is ready for fresh veggie salads and cold pasta dishes?!?  I know I am!  The weather has been great here!  Temps in the low 70's, but don't worry it is changing fast and will be chilling down by Wednesday.  This wonderful weather has me in the mood for fresh veggies.  I can't wait to go shopping on the farm.  Most of the local farms have been posting all these great pics on Facebook of fresh planting and working to get everything ready for the grow season.  Nothing like fresh local products :)

This dish combines all of my favorite flavors that remind me of summer and spring.  It's incredibly easy to make and the kids loved it!  Give this one a try!  You will be happy you did!














Greek Pasta Salad source Go Ahead Take a Bite
16 oz bowtie pasta, cooked and drained
1 green pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 red onion, diced fine
1 cucumber, peeled seeded and diced
1 cup kalamata olives, chopped
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
1 1/2 cups feta cheese
1 cup olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 TBS minced garlic
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
  • In a tall bowl or glass add juice and zest of lemon, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, sugar, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil 
  • Using an immersion blender, blend until fully combined
  • Pour half of the vinaigrette over the cooked pasta and refrigerate while prepping your veggies
  • Add the green pepper, onion, cucumber, kalamata olives, tomatoes, cheese, and remaining vinaigrette to the pasta
  • Toss well to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours
Now a nice big glass of peach green tea and I feel like I am enjoying dinner on a nice summer night.  And the best part is this dish is pretty good for you too.  So pull up a chair and enjoy!

Below is the nutritional value per serving.  This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.


Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 211 g
Amount Per Serving
Calories
482
Calories from Fat
305
% Daily Value*
Total Fat
33.9g
52%
Saturated Fat
8.1g
41%
Trans Fat
0.0g
Cholesterol
25mg
8%
Sodium
611mg
25%
Total Carbohydrates
38.4g
13%
Dietary Fiber
3.0g
12%
Sugars
5.1g
Protein
10.1g
Vitamin A 10%Vitamin C 31%
Calcium 17%Iron 14%
Nutrition Grade C+
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points
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