Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a vibrant side dish? Look no further! This tri-color salad recipe is your answer. It's bursting with fresh flavors and textures, and it's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. This recipe is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients, transforming a basic salad into a healthy and satisfying meal. Get ready to elevate your salad game!
Ingredients:
This vibrant salad uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.
- 1 cup cooked tri-color rotini pasta: You can use any small pasta shape you prefer.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: For a vegan option, use crumbled tofu or omit entirely.
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for a delicious and healthy tri-color salad.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the tri-color rotini according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, wash and prepare your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. If using, halve the Kalamata olives.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese (if using), and olives (if using).
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your fresh and flavorful tri-color salad!
Tips and Variations:
- Add protein: Boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamier dressing.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil, parsley, or dill.
- Citrus twist: Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for extra brightness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 7-10g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This tri-color pasta salad is a simple, healthy and delicious recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or a light lunch. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, and the versatility allows for endless customization. Enjoy!