Meet your new favorite dish: Zesty Quinoa Pasta Salad. This colorful salad is a refreshing twist on the classic pasta salad, combining nutritious quinoa and rotini pasta. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any time you crave something vibrant and satisfying.
Quinoa: This protein-packed grain gives the salad a nutty flavor and a satisfying texture.
Rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add a pop of color and freshness.
Cucumber: Adds a cool, crisp element that balances the other flavors.
Red bell pepper: Sweet and slightly crunchy, it adds both taste and visual appeal.
Red onion: Provides a sharp, tangy contrast to the other ingredients.
Parsley: Fresh and aromatic, it brightens up the salad.
Kalamata olives: Their rich, briny flavor complements the tangy dressing.
Feta cheese: Creamy and salty, it adds depth and richness.
Extra virgin olive oil: A quality oil that forms the base of the dressing, adding smoothness.
Lemon juice & zest: These provide a citrusy kick that lifts the whole dish.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning, they enhance all the other flavors.
This salad is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a hearty soup like a roasted tomato or vegetable bisque.
Start by cooking the quinoa. Follow the package instructions, and once it’s done, spread it out on a plate to cool. This helps prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
While the quinoa is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until it's al dente. Drain the pasta and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa and pasta. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Toss everything together gently to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Pour this dressing over your salad, and toss again to ensure every ingredient is coated in the zesty goodness.
Pop the salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Share