Healthy, High-Fiber Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat while still providing creaminess.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers a similar flavor with healthier fats.

kalamata olives

🥗Healthier: green olives

💰Cheaper: black olives

Green olives are lower in calories and can be more affordable.

pasta

🥗Healthier: whole grain pasta

💰Cheaper: pasta made from lentils

Whole grain pasta adds fiber, while lentil pasta is high in protein.

Preheat oven to 325°F (convection) or 350°F.

Toast 0.25 cup pine nuts in the oven for 10 minutes.

Cook 3 cups of green lentil pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.

Chop 0.5 cup parsley, 0.5 cup mint, and tear 1 cup basil into pieces.

Slice 1 cup Persian cucumbers into half rounds and halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes.

In a small bowl, whisk together 0.25 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence, pinch of crushed red pepper, and 0.75 tablespoon salt.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped parsley, mint, basil, arugula, sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and crumbled feta cheese.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens