Simple Greek Pasta Salad with Mild Selfmade Dressing

Nothing says summer time fairly like an enormous bowl of Greek pasta salad. It’s recent, colourful, and filled with crisp greens, creamy feta cheese, and a vibrant do-it-yourself dressing that brings the whole lot collectively.

Whether or not you’re heading to a yard BBQ, meal prepping lunches, or in search of a simple facet dish, this recipe is at all times a crowd-pleaser.

In contrast to many deli-style pasta salads which might be loaded with oil and heavy dressings, this lighter model retains issues recent with a easy lemon French dressing constructed from pantry staples. You continue to get all of the basic Greek flavors with out weighing down the dish.

The very best half is how straightforward it’s to customise. Serve it alongside grilled hen, burgers, or seafood, or take pleasure in it as a satisfying lunch by itself. Because it tastes even higher after chilling within the fridge, it’s a super make-ahead recipe for busy weeks.

The Components

Rotini: Pasta supplies satisfying carbohydrates that gas your physique with vitality. When loved in affordable parts and paired with loads of greens and lean components, it will possibly completely match right into a wholesome Weight Watchers life-style.

Lowered-Fats Feta Cheese: Feta has a daring, salty taste, so slightly goes a good distance. Selecting reduced-fat feta enables you to benefit from the creamy texture whereas decreasing the saturated fats and energy in comparison with conventional feta.

Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are naturally candy and loaded with vitamin C, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to coronary heart well being. Additionally they add lovely colour and freshness to each chew.

Cucumbers: Cucumbers are made up of principally water, making them extremely refreshing and hydrating. They add loads of crunch whereas contributing only a few energy.

Bell Pepper: Bell peppers are top-of-the-line sources of vitamin C and likewise present vitamin A and antioxidants. Their pure sweetness balances the tangy dressing and salty feta completely.

Purple Onion: Purple onion provides daring taste with out including many energy. It additionally comprises antioxidants and plant compounds which will assist assist coronary heart well being.

Lemon Juice: Contemporary lemon juice provides vibrant taste with out counting on additional oil or sugar. It’s wealthy in vitamin C and helps make the greens style even brisker.

Purple Wine Vinegar: This supplies tanginess that enhances each ingredient whereas including just about no energy. It helps create a flavorful dressing with out the necessity for heavy bottled choices.

Additional Virgin Olive Oil: Utilizing only one tablespoon of olive oil provides the dressing a clean, wealthy texture whereas offering heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. A small quantity delivers loads of taste whereas conserving the recipe lighter.

Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing, making it creamy with out mayonnaise. It additionally provides daring taste for only a few energy.

Oregano: Oregano is a basic Mediterranean herb that brings genuine Greek taste whereas contributing useful antioxidants.

Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides savory depth with out additional fats or energy, making it a simple solution to enhance taste.

Click on right here to trace the factors in your Weight Watchers app. The total vitamin info may be discovered on the backside of the recipe card.

The way to Make Greek Pasta Salad

Prepare dinner the pasta in keeping with the package deal instructions till al dente. Drain and rinse underneath chilly water till utterly cool.

Add the pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, purple onion, feta cheese, and parsley to a big mixing bowl.

In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk collectively the lemon juice, purple wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper till nicely mixed.

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss till the whole lot is evenly coated.

Refrigerate for no less than half-hour earlier than serving to permit the flavors to mix collectively.

Toss as soon as extra earlier than serving and garnish with further feta if desired.

Serving Strategies

This Greek pasta salad pairs splendidly with grilled hen, turkey burgers, grilled shrimp, salmon, or lean steaks. It additionally makes a scrumptious lunch by itself.

Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days. Give the salad a fast stir earlier than serving. If it appears slightly dry after chilling, add a squeeze of recent lemon juice or a splash of purple wine vinegar to freshen it up.

Listed below are some extra Weight Watchers pleasant recipes:

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad

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