This Mediterranean Creamy Egg & Veggie Pasta Salad Delight has a creamy, fresh, and colorful texture. We prepare this pasta salad with eggs, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, pasta, feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. This pasta salad has roughly 385 calories and 42 g of net carbs. We make this pasta salad in about 30 minutes. You can prepare this pasta salad earlier because we refrigerate it for almost 3 to 4 days. You can serve this pasta salad with grilled chicken, grilled salmon, warm pita bread, hummus, roasted vegetables, or fresh mediterranean salad.
STATS:
- Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
- No. of Calories: 385 kcal
- Diet: Mediterranean
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Portion size: 1½ cups
- Total servings: 6
- Total time: 30 minutes
TOOLS:
- Pot
- Bowls
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Colander
- Whisk
- Serving spoon
INGREDIENTS:
PASTA SALAD:
- 12 oz. rotini pasta
- Four hard-boiled eggs
- Cherry tomatoes, one cup
- One cup cucumber
- Half a cup red bell pepper
- Kalamata olives, half cup
- Half cup red onion
- ½ cup feta cheese
- ¼ cup parsley
- 2 tbsp dill
CREAMY MEDITERRANEAN DRESSING:
- ½ tsp salt
- Greek yogurt, one cup
- Two tbsp. olive oil
- Lemon juice, two tbsp.
- Two cloves of garlic
- One tsp. oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
INGREDIENT NOTES:
PASTA:
- We use pasta to provide a hearty base and a soft texture that absorbs the creamy dressing. You may choose gluten-free pasta, chickpea pasta, or whole wheat pasta as another choice.
EGGS:
- To give the salad more protein and a creamy texture, we include hard-boiled eggs. As an alternative, you can use chickpeas, grilled chicken, or tuna.
GREEK YOGURT:
- Greek yogurt creates a creamy and lighter dressing with a slightly tangy flavor. You can use sour cream, mayonnaise, or dairy-free yogurt.
FETA CHEESE:
- Feta cheese adds a salty Mediterranean flavor and creamy texture. Goat cheese, Parmesan, or mozzarella may be preferred in its replacement.
KALAMATA OLIVES:
- Olives provide a rich savory taste and traditional Mediterranean flavor. You can use green olives or leave them out if preferred.
OLIVE OIL:
- The Mediterranean flavor is enhanced and healthy fats are added with olive oil. You can substitute it with avocado oil.
FRESH VEGETABLES:
- Cucumber, tomatoes, and peppers add freshness, crunch, and color. You can also include spinach, zucchini, or roasted peppers.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Pasta must be cooked following to the package’s instructions till it is tender.
- Strain out the pasta and wash using cold water, and then allow it to cool fully.
- We boil the eggs, peel them, and cut into small pieces.
- Include the dill, pasta, parsley, eggs, feta cheese, tomatoes, olives, cucumber, onion, and bell pepper into a large dish.
- Stir the pepper, Greek yogurt, salt, olive oil, oregano, lemon juice, and garlic till smooth.
- Spread the creamy dressing on the pasta mixture and carefully whisk.
- Chill for almost thirty minutes and then serve.
TIPS:
- Chill the salad before eating for a perfect flavor.
- Cook the pasta lightly firm to avoid a soft texture.
- We utilize fresh herbs to get a stronger Mediterranean taste.
- Include the dressing just before eating if preparing earlier.
- Cut the veggies uniformly to get a balanced bite.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
MAIN DISHES:
- Grilled Lemon Chicken
- Mediterranean Baked Salmon
- Garlic Herb Shrimp
- Grilled Turkey Skewers
SOUPS:
- Tomato Basil Soup
- Lentil Soup
- Mediterranean Vegetable Soup
- Creamy Zucchini Soup
BREADS:
- Whole Wheat Pita Bread
- Garlic Herb Flatbread
- Rosemary Focaccia
- Whole Grain Dinner Rolls
APPETIZERS:
- Hummus Platter
- Stuffed Grape Leaves
- Marinated Olives
- Roasted Red Pepper Dip
VEGETABLE SIDES:
- Greek Roasted Vegetables
- Grilled Zucchini
- Lemon Garlic Green Beans
- Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant
DRINKS:
- Fresh Lemon Water
- Mint Iced Tea
- Cucumber Lemonade
- Sparkling Citrus Water
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put this pasta salad in an airtight box and refrigerate it for almost 3 to 4 days.
FREEZER:
- We do not suggest storing this pasta, as the creamy dressing, vegetables, and eggs will lose their texture after defrosting.
FAQs:
Could we utilize different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta, penne, macaroni, or bow-tie pasta.
Will we prepare this pasta salad earlier?
- Yes, you can make this pasta salad several hours before eating and chill it for a perfect flavor.
Could we prepare this salad higher in protein?
- Yes, you can use tuna, additional eggs, grilled chicken, or chickpeas.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATIONS:
Proteins: 16 g
Caloric Content: 385 kcal
Net carbs: 42 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 5 g
Fats: 16 g
Portion Size: 1½ cups
Total carbs: 46 g