If you want to taste a filling pasta dish that richly incorporates Italian pasta and fresh & healthy Greek cuisine, then you must try out Greek Broccoli Pasta Salad. This salad redefines the definition of a pasta salad; it is loaded with different ingredients that provide a lot of flavor and texture.
Ingredients That Shine:
Broccoli: Broccoli deserves to claim the title of the hero of this salad. It provides a nice crunch texture and a color. Very lightly steamed or blanched so that its crisp and color is retained too, broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins C & K, fiber and other antioxidants.
Pasta: Choose similarly-shaped pastas like pasta shu or paste noodles that can withstand hot weather especially for salads. They help in indenting dressing and blending with the features.
Kalamata Olives: These intensely flavored, salty olives offer the true Greek taste while providing the dish with some further layers of flavour that go well with the other elements.
Cherry Tomatoes: There is no limit of cut cherry tomatoes because they are sweet and juicy. Cherries are just the right amount of sweet to offset the more savory flavors of the salad.
Feta Cheese: The adding of crumbled feta cheese makes dishes thick, sour, and creamy, which is just what this dish needs to round out all the flavors created in the dish.
Red Onion: Onions such as red onion that are finely sliced not only lend a sharp taste but also provide a colorful appearance to give emphasis to the whole taste.
Cucumber: Crisp fresh cucumber acts as an invigorating crunch and does not overpower the salad with its muted flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Adding angles of fresh aromatic herbs you can choose from dill, parsley or oregano.
Dressing: For a refreshing taste, it uses a Greek classic made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dried oregano and seasoning of salt and pepper.
Preparation Stages:
Cook the Pasta: To begin with, cook the right type of pasta as per the instructions on the sheet. Make sure the water is well salted to enhance the flavor and ensure that the pasta stays al dente, without being soggy. For this reason, it is most important to drain and subsequently immerse the noodles in cold water to arrest further cooking and cool them.
Prepare the Broccoli: For a few minutes, steam or boil the broccoli and then cool the blanched broccoli florets. Immerse in ice water to prevent overcooking and further, drain well.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the diced & boiled pasta, mini broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, sliced red onion, kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.
Simmering the Dressings: Extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dried oregano, salt and pepper are whisked in a bowl and set aside to be used later. The salt and pepper may be adjusted.
Pour and Chill: Pour the dressing through the pasta and vegetable mixture, and toss gently as to coat all the veggies and the noodle mixture.
Finish and Season: Indicate the last serve by tossing the salad one last time with fresh herbs and serve.
Suggestions for Serving:
There are many uses for Greek Broccoli Pasta Salad. It may be served alone or it can be used as a bright side dish. It mixes in very well with grilled meats and roasted chicken, or can be enjoyed as a refreshing light meal by itself. To complete the Mediterranean meal experience, you could also serve the salad with some warm pita and tzatziki on the side.
Valuable Outcomes:
The simple salad is delicious and etc. It also offers other health benefits beyond taste. Broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese constitute the healthy salad mix. Broccoli and cucumber intake provides essential vitamins and antioxidants while protein and calcium are derived from feta cheese. The olive oil used in the dressing creates heart healthy fats so this salad is a well balanced dish.
In summation, a Greek Broccoli Pasta Salad is a mix of the best that the Mediterranean has to offer, and adds nutrition to any meal. The bright colors and flavors along with the fresh tastes and tangy dressing make it very versatile and fun to have in the summer at barbeques or on some picnic, or as a tasty side on busy weeknight meals. Harmony shores up even more, trying this recipe you will feel Greece in each bite you take!
Enjoy!😋😋
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