Artichoke Greek pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of Greek cuisine with pasta and artichokes.
Artichoke Greek pasta salad offers several nutritional benefits and can be a healthy addition to your diet. Here are some of the benefits associated with the ingredients commonly found in this salad:
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Many of the ingredients in this salad, including artichoke hearts, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, are rich in essential nutrients. Artichoke hearts, for example, are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and folate.
- High in Fiber: The combination of pasta and vegetables in this salad provides a good amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help you feel fuller for longer.
- Antioxidants: Tomatoes and olives are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and various phytochemicals. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Healthy Fats: The salad includes extra-virgin olive oil and olives, both of which provide healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Protein: Feta cheese and, if added, grilled chicken or shrimp provide a good source of protein, which is important for muscle growth and overall body function.
- Low in Saturated Fat: This salad is relatively low in saturated fats, which are associated with increased heart disease risk. Using low-fat or reduced-fat feta cheese can further reduce the saturated fat content.
- Low in Processed Ingredients: When prepared from fresh, whole ingredients, this salad is generally free from processed and artificial additives, making it a healthier choice compared to many pre-packaged salads.
- Mediterranean Diet Benefits: The ingredients used in this salad align with the Mediterranean diet, which is associated with numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, improved weight management, and better overall well-being.
- Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients and portion sizes to meet your specific dietary needs and preferences, making it a versatile and adaptable dish.
It’s important to note that the overall nutritional profile of your artichoke Greek pasta salad may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. To make it even healthier, you can use whole wheat or whole-grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients. Additionally, moderation is key when it comes to ingredients like cheese and olive oil, as they can be calorie-dense.
Greek Pasta Artichoke Salad
Yield:
6 servings
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
12 minutes
Total Time:
17 minutes
Greek pasta artichoke salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of Greek cuisine with pasta and artichokes.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) of your choice of pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 1 can (14 oz) of artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the quartered artichoke hearts, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives. Gently mix them together.
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well coated with the dressing.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top of the salad.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.