Greek pasta salad

Refreshing Greek Pasta Salad

If you're looking for a delicious and refreshing salad that will impress both friends and family, this Greek pasta salad is the perfect choice. Ideal for hot summer days, this recipe combines the fresh flavors of vegetables with the creamy texture of pasta, adding a burst of flavor to every serving. Plus, it's easy to prepare and can be customized to your preferences.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes (optional)
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 80 g pasta (you can choose penne, fusilli, or macaroni)
- 125 g spinach (frozen or fresh)
- 150 g kefir or yogurt (preferably sour)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tomatoes (diced)
- 40 g green olives (pitted)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Half a bunch of dill (finely chopped)
- Flavored oil (olive or herb oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cooking the pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil with a teaspoon of salt. Add the chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them to maintain their crunchy texture.

2. Preparing the spinach:
If using frozen spinach, thaw it beforehand and drain the excess water. If using fresh spinach, wash it well and cut it into strips.

3. Making the kefir sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the kefir or yogurt with lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a creamy and flavorful sauce. You can also add a bit of flavored oil for extra taste.

4. Mixing the ingredients:
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. In a large bowl, add the pasta, spinach, tomatoes, red onion, and olives. Pour the kefir sauce over and mix well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Serving:
The salad can be served immediately, but I recommend letting it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This will add a touch of freshness and make the salad even more refreshing.

Serving suggestions and variations:
- You can add grilled chicken breast cubes to increase the protein content.
- The flavored oil can be replaced with extra virgin olive oil for a more intense flavor.
- Instead of green olives, you can use black olives for a different taste.
- If you like nuts, add some toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

This Greek pasta salad is not just a simple recipe but also a versatile dish, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Once you've tried it, it will surely become one of your favorite dishes!

 Ingredients: 80 g of pasta - penne, fusilli, or macaroni 125 g of frozen or fresh spinach 150 g of kefir or sour yogurt 2 cloves of garlic 1 red onion, sliced thinly 2 tomatoes 40 g of green olives, pitted juice from half a lemon 1/2 bunch of dill flavored oil salt pepper

 Tags:  paste pasta salad greece