Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Penne pasta - 500 grams
2. Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams
3. Cucumber - 1 medium, diced
4. Red bell pepper - 1, diced
5. Black olives - 100 grams
6. Feta cheese - 100 grams, crumbled
7. Fresh basil - 2 tablespoons, chopped
8. Extra virgin olive oil - 6 tablespoons
9. Red wine vinegar - 3 tablespoons
10. Honey - 1 teaspoon
11. Salt and pepper - to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the diced cucumber, bell pepper, olives, and cherry tomatoes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped basil to the pasta mixture.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Nutritional Information: (Based on average values; varies depending on specific ingredients used)

• Calories: Approx. 500 per serving (8 servings total)
• Fat: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 60 grams
• Protein: 15 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• This dish is a refreshing summer salad that combines the flavors of Italy and Greece.
• The homemade dressing adds a unique tangy-sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the pasta and vegetables.
• The salad is hearty yet light, making it a great side dish or meal option for hot weather.

User Comments:

1. "This pasta salad is amazing! The dressing is so flavorful and the combination of ingredients is perfect."
2. "I love how easy this recipe is to make. It's a great dish to bring to a potluck or picnic."
3. "This salad is a great balance of flavors. The feta cheese and olives give it a salty-savory taste that I really enjoy."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor.
• Adjust the amount of dressing based on your preference for a more or less wet salad.
• If you prefer a spicier dressing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing ingredients.
• This salad is best served chilled, so make sure to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving.