Mediterranean Pasta Salad (The BEST Summer 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.

Boil water in a large pot.

Add small shelled pasta or bow ties to the boiling water.

Blanch 2 cups of basil in the boiling water for about 10 seconds.

Prepare a small bowl of ice water for shocking the basil after blanching.

Transfer the blanched basil to the ice water to preserve its color.

Once cooled, squeeze excess water from the basil using a paper towel.

Place the squeezed basil in a food processor.

Add the juice of one large lime to the food processor.

Add one chopped shallot and one garlic clove to the food processor.

Pour about half a cup of extra virgin olive oil into the food processor.

Add a splash of white wine vinegar and a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes to the food processor.

Blend the ingredients in the food processor until smooth to create the basil vinaigrette.

Dice zucchini into small pieces.

Cut sweet corn off the cob to yield about 1 cup.

Heat a skillet and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Add the diced zucchini to the skillet and sauté until it starts to gain color.

Add the sweet corn to the skillet once the zucchini has some color.

Season the veggies with a dash of salt, pepper, and Urfa Biber.

Combine the cooked pasta with the sautéed zucchini and corn in a large bowl.

Pour the basil vinaigrette over the pasta and veggies and toss to combine.

Add halved cherry tomatoes and shaved parmesan cheese to the salad and toss again.

Chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens