Ingredients and Weight:
- Kale: 200 grams
- Spaghetti or any type of cooked pasta: 400 grams (cooked weight)
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Feta cheese: 100 grams
- Black olives: 50 grams
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Red wine vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh herbs (e.g., basil, oregano): to finish
Preparation Time:
30 minutes (including pasta cooking time)
Cooking Time:
20 minutes (for pasta only, salad assembly is quick)
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions.
- While pasta is cooking, wash and dice the kale, bell pepper, and herbs.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, kale, bell peppers, feta cheese, olives, and garlic.
- Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
Calories: ~350
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 12g
Fiber: 4g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- Combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with a traditional American pasta salad.
- Kale adds a robust and slightly bitter taste to the salad.
- Feta cheese provides a creamy and salty contrast to the vegetables.
- Perfect for summer or as a side dish for any meal.
User Comments:
- "Love the combination of kale and pasta! This dish is unique and refreshing."
- "The flavor of the feta cheese really complements the kale, making this salad stand out."
- "A great dish for a summer barbecue. The vinegar and olive oil give it a perfect tangy taste."
- "I added some grilled chicken pieces for extra protein and it was delicious!"
- "Easy to make and looks impressive on the table."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh kale as it provides the most flavor and texture. Avoid using canned or frozen varieties.
- If you want to make this dish vegetarian, use vegetable-based pasta and omit the feta cheese.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed.