0 from 3 votes
Mediterranean Pasta Picnic Salad
Bursting with flavour, this is our favourite picnic salad. I'm convinced it's better after an overnight in the refrigerator, so consider making the salad in advance of your picnic or barbecue.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 300 kcal
Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 bundle asparagus washed
- 1 cup dried orzo pasta
- 1 large lemon scrubbed
- 1/4 cup fresh herb leaves such as basil, oregano and chives
- 1 small clove garlic
- 4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 tsp fresh black pepper
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives pitted
- 4 artichoke hearts (canned) use 4 or 5, depending on size
- 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, trim the ends off the asparagus and peel the bottom thirds. Slice asparagus into 1-inch lengths.
- Add the orzo pasta to the boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 ½ minutes. Add the asparagus to the pot now and cook for an additional minute and a half (or until tender). Strain the orzo and the asparagus into a colander. Drain well, then transfer to a baking sheet and spread out to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, zest lemon into a medium bowl; juice it into the bowl, discarding the seeds. Finely chop the herbs and add them to the bowl. Grate the garlic in using a microplane or crush it in a garlic press. Add the olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix the dressing well until smooth and a little creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta and asparagus with the lemon-basil vinaigrette. Toss in the feta cheese, olives, artichokes and pine nuts. Mix well to combine. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
300kcal
(15%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 300
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 300kcal | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.