Imagine a vibrant, refreshing pasta salad that's not just a side dish, but a showstopper that will have everyone at your table asking for the recipe. This Green Pasta Salad with Edible Flowers is more than just a meal - it's a culinary adventure that combines fresh, crisp ingredients with a touch of elegance that will elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Prepare to transform your ordinary pasta salad into a Instagram-worthy masterpiece that tastes as incredible as it looks!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Fusion
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fusilli pasta
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 cup green peas
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Edible flowers for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of fusilli pasta, 2 cups of chopped spinach, 1 cup of green peas, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and edible flowers for garnish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse the spinach thoroughly under cold water and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a separate small pot, bring water to a boil. Add the green peas and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain the peas again and set aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled fusilli pasta, chopped spinach, blanched green peas, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice until well combined. Pour this dressing over the pasta salad mixture.
- Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish or individual bowls. Garnish with edible flowers for a colorful and elegant presentation.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy your refreshing green pasta salad!
Tips
- For the best texture, rinse your pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Use fresh, high-quality edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies to add a pop of color and subtle flavor.
- Make sure to blanch your green peas quickly to maintain their bright color and crisp texture.
- Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or mint to complement the green theme.
- Choose a fusilli pasta with ridges to help the dressing cling better to each pasta piece.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning just before serving to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 98kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 6mg
