Imagine a pasta salad that breaks all the rules - where sweet, crisp apples dance with tangy feta cheese, and crunchy walnuts add an unexpected twist that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance! This Feta Pasta Salad with Apples isn't just another side dish; it's a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone begging for your recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (farfalle or rotini)
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of pasta (farfalle or rotini) and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice 1 cup of apples into small cubes, ensuring to remove the core and seeds. You can use any variety of apple, but a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith works well.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. The walnuts can be roughly chopped for added texture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. This will add a tangy flavor to the salad.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow it to drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the apple, feta, and walnut mixture. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Season the salad with additional salt and pepper if needed, and adjust the dressing to your taste. You can add more olive oil or vinegar if desired.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your Feta Pasta Salad with Apples!
Tips
- Choose the right pasta: Farfalle or rotini work best as they hold the dressing and other ingredients perfectly.
- Chill your ingredients: For maximum flavor, refrigerate the pasta and dressing before mixing to help the flavors meld together.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente texture to prevent a mushy salad.
- Use fresh, crisp apples: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith varieties provide the best crunch and tartness.
- Toast the walnuts lightly before adding for an enhanced nutty flavor.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
