Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad

Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad Recipe - Ingredients and Steps

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean region in a simple and satisfying pasta salad. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

The origins of this recipe can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, where fresh and wholesome ingredients are abundant. The combination of pasta, fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese is a classic Mediterranean flavor profile that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of Dreamfields® penne rigate
2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
0.67 cup of hummus
4 oz (113 g) of cherry or grape tomatoes
4 oz (113 g) of small yellow tomatoes
1 tbsp of capers, drained
0.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of black ground pepper
juice of 1 lemon or 3 tbsp of lemon juice
0.5 cup of chopped fresh basil
0.25 cup of Greek green olives, pitted
0.25 cup of Greek black olives, pitted
0.25 cup of crumbled feta cheese
0.5 cup of chopped red onion
2 tbsp of toasted pine nuts

How to prepare

Prepare the pasta according to the package directions.
Rinse the pasta in cold water and drain it well.
Gently toss all the ingredients together with the pasta.
Refrigerate the dish and serve.

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to ensure that it holds up well in the salad.

- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

- Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the salad will enhance their nutty flavor.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente.

- Drain and rinse the pasta in cold water to stop the cooking process.

- Toss the pasta with the other ingredients gently to combine.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta in place of penne rigate.

- Substitute the hummus with tahini or pesto for a different flavor profile.

- Use any variety of olives in place of Greek olives.

Make Ahead Tips

Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to toss the salad again before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving. Serve it in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. It also goes well with a variety of wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh the flavors.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium from the tomatoes, olives, and basil.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and dairy from the feta cheese. It may also contain nuts from the pine nuts.

Summary

Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that celebrates the flavors of the Mediterranean region. With a mix of pasta, fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, this salad is a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy it as a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, and I always loved spending time with her, learning new recipes and cooking techniques.

That day, Maria had a group of friends over for a potluck lunch, and one of the dishes she had prepared was this amazing pasta salad. As soon as I took my first bite, I was hooked. The flavors were fresh and vibrant, with a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

I asked Maria for the recipe, and she smiled and handed me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions. As I read through the recipe, I was surprised by how simple it seemed. The key was using high-quality ingredients and letting the flavors speak for themselves.

I went home that afternoon with the recipe card clutched in my hand, eager to recreate the Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad in my own kitchen. I gathered all the necessary ingredients – ripe cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, fresh basil, and of course, penne pasta.

I boiled the pasta until it was al dente, then rinsed it under cold water to stop the cooking process. I chopped the tomatoes and olives, crumbled the feta cheese, and tore the basil leaves into bite-sized pieces. I tossed everything together in a large bowl, drizzling it with a simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of honey.

As I took my first bite of the finished dish, I was transported back to Maria's kitchen. The flavors were just as delicious as I remembered, and I knew that I had successfully recreated the Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my tastes. Sometimes I add roasted red peppers or grilled chicken for an extra burst of flavor. Other times, I swap out the feta cheese for creamy goat cheese or add a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Each time I make this dish, I think of Maria and the wonderful times we spent together in her kitchen. She was the one who introduced me to this recipe, and for that, I will always be grateful. Cooking has a way of bringing people together, and this dish in particular holds a special place in my heart.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad, I am reminded of the power of food to evoke memories and emotions. This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients – it is a reminder of the friendships and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And for that, I will always cherish it.