Pasta Salad with Broccoli & Feta Cheese
This vibrant Pasta Salad with Broccoli & Feta Cheese is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and pasta dressed with a zesty olive oil dressing. Ideal as a side dish, this recipe brings together wholesome flavors, creating the perfect addition to any meal. Its light, vegetarian profile makes it perfect for quick, healthy meals and is a hit at gatherings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Macaroni pasta | 250 grams |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1/2 cup (cut into halves) |
| Broccoli | 1/2 cup (cut into small florets) |
| Feta Cheese | 1/4 cup (crumbled) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Parsley leaves | 2 stalks (finely chopped) |
| Dried oregano | 2 teaspoons |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 2 teaspoons (freshly pounded) |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Preparation Time
| Time Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 20 minutes |
| Cooking | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Instructions
-
Cooking the Pasta:
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- Add the macaroni pasta to the pot and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture (firm to the bite).
- After the pasta is cooked, drain the water and immediately rinse the pasta under cold running water. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the pasta and toss it gently to coat all the pieces. This will help prevent them from clumping.
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-
Cooking the Broccoli:
- In a pressure cooker, add 2 tablespoons of water and the broccoli florets. Close the lid and cook for one whistle.
- After one whistle, immediately release the pressure by running the cooker under cold tap water to stop the cooking process and maintain the broccoli’s fresh green color and tenderness.
-
Making the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, dried oregano, lemon juice, freshly crushed black peppercorns, salt, and olive oil.
- Whisk the ingredients well until they are fully incorporated into a smooth dressing.
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Assembling the Pasta Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, cooked broccoli, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients in the bowl.
- Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
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Serving:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or pepper.
- Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the vibrant, tangy flavors of this healthy side dish.
Serving Suggestions
For a well-rounded meal, pair this Pasta Salad with Broccoli & Feta Cheese with Roasted Vegetable Pizza Pockets, a bowl of Cream of Celery Soup, and a light Yogurt Panna Cotta for dessert. This combination offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal option for a weekend dinner or a special occasion.
This recipe is a fantastic choice for those seeking a simple yet flavorful vegetarian dish that can be made in just under 40 minutes. The balance of creamy feta, crunchy broccoli, and zesty dressing makes it a delightful addition to any table!
