Discover the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our tantalizing Qrzo Salad with Feta Vinaigrette! This delightful dish combines the nutty goodness of Qrzo pasta with the creamy richness of feta, all brought together by a zesty vinaigrette that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side at your next gathering, this salad is not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes from start to finish—but it also bursts with fresh herbs and bright flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and elevate your culinary repertoire!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Qrzo pasta
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Fresh herbs
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the Qrzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vinaigrette. In a medium bowl, crumble the feta cheese into small pieces.
- Whisk together olive oil and fresh lemon juice with the crumbled feta to create a creamy vinaigrette. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked Qrzo pasta in a colander, then rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the feta vinaigrette over the pasta and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Chop a selection of fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or basil and sprinkle over the salad for added flavor and color.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For best flavor, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the herbs and vinaigrette to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal al dente texture, be sure to follow the cooking time on the Qrzo pasta package closely. A quick taste test is always a good idea!
- Herb Variations: Feel free to mix and match fresh herbs based on your preference or what you have on hand. Fresh mint or cilantro can add a unique twist!
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes after tossing it with the vinaigrette enhances the flavors, making every bite more delicious.
- Add Some Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, consider adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts to the salad before serving.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Just keep the vinaigrette separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a light meal. Serve it at room temperature for the best flavor experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 385kcal
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
