Vibrant Artichoke and Radiatore Pasta Salad with Feta
Artichoke and Pasta Salad Recipe
Description
On warm summer days, there is nothing quite like a refreshing cold salad to satisfy your cravings, and this delightful Artichoke and Pasta Salad, sourced from Cooking Light magazine, stands out as an exceptional choice. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its vibrant flavors but also in its simplicity, making it a perfect addition to any picnic or outdoor gathering. For an added convenience, feel free to use jarred artichoke hearts packed in olive oil and spices, which can enhance the flavor of your salad—just adjust the seasonings accordingly if you choose this option.
Recipe Details
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Recipe Yield | 6 servings |
| Calories per serving | 251.6 |
| Rating | 4.5 (from 3 reviews) |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 4.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 5.6 mg |
| Sodium | 300.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 44.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g |
| Sugars | 2.6 g |
| Protein | 9.9 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Artichoke hearts | 2 (jarred, or plain if preferred) |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried basil | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | ¼ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Garlic | 1 clove (minced) |
| Radiatore pasta | 3 cups (cooked and drained) |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups (washed and chopped) |
| Tomatoes | 1 cup (chopped) |
| Feta cheese | ¼ cup (crumbled) |
Instructions
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Begin by combining the artichoke hearts, olive oil, water, lemon juice, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and minced garlic in a blender or food processor. Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency, creating a flavorful dressing that will coat the salad beautifully.
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While the dressing is blending, take the remaining artichoke hearts and chop them into small pieces, adding a delightful texture to the salad.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped artichoke hearts, cooked radiatore pasta, chopped spinach, and diced tomatoes. Gently mix these ingredients to ensure that everything is evenly distributed.
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Once your dressing is prepared, pour the pureed artichoke mixture over the pasta and vegetable blend in the bowl. Toss everything together well to ensure that each component is thoroughly coated with the dressing.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for at least two hours, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
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Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta cheese, which adds a creamy richness that complements the other ingredients wonderfully.
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Serve chilled, and enjoy this vibrant and nutritious Artichoke and Pasta Salad, perfect for a summer meal or as a side dish at your next gathering.
This delightful salad not only bursts with flavor but also provides a nutritious option that fits beautifully into a low-cholesterol diet. Enjoy every bite of this exquisite dish, crafted to bring joy to your summer dining experiences.
