Anti-Inflammatory Greek Yogurt Pasta Salad Recipe

Anti-Inflammatory Greek Yogurt Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy Greek Yogurt Pasta Salad with Seeds and Nuts

This delicious pasta salad combines the goodness of wholemeal pasta, nourishing greens, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, enhanced with the crunch of seeds and nuts. It's both anti-inflammatory and easy to prepare, making it a wonderful addition to your meal prep routine.

Ingredients:

2 cups wholemeal pasta (such as penne or fusilli)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup baby spinach or rocket

1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced

1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

 

For the Creamy Dressing:

1 cup Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Salt and pepper to taste

A handful of fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley), finely chopped

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the wholemeal pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and allow it to cool.

  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the fresh herbs for added flavor.

  3. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, baby spinach, red onion, olives, feta cheese, toasted almonds or walnuts, and sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is well coated.

  4. Serve or Store: You can enjoy this pasta salad immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even more delicious.

This pasta salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory properties, like olive oil, leafy greens, and nutritious seeds and nuts. Enjoy this nourishing dish as a satisfying meal or a hearty side.