Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup Acini di Pepe pasta
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook the Acini di Pepe pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve chilled
Serving size:
- 6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 290
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 9g
- Fiber: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Acini di Pepe pasta can be substituted with any small pasta shape.
- Chickpeas can be substituted with white beans or black beans.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes.
- Kalamata olives can be substituted with any type of pitted olive.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or blue cheese.
- Parsley and mint can be substituted with any fresh herbs of your choice.
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as orzo or couscous.
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water to prevent it from sticking together.
- Make the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to your liking.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs or lemon wedges.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs
- Lemon wedges
Pairings:
- Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of white wine or a light beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Hummus and pita bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salad seems dry, add more dressing or a drizzle of olive oil.
Food safety advice:
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and discard after 3 days.
- Wash all produce before using.
Food history:
- The Mediterranean region is known for its fresh and flavorful cuisine, which often includes ingredients like olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
Flavor profiles:
- This salad is fresh and flavorful, with a combination of tangy, salty, and herbaceous flavors.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or a light lunch.
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Taste: Citrusy, Tangy, Herby, Refreshing, Savory