Whole-Wheat Pasta Salad with Grilled Zucchini and Olives

Vegetarian
Health score
24%
Whole-Wheat Pasta Salad with Grilled Zucchini and Olives
45 min.
6
453kcal

Suggestions

Looking for a delicious and nutritious vegetarian meal that's perfect for lunch, a main course, or even as a side dish? Look no further than this Whole-Wheat Pasta Salad with Grilled Zucchini and Olives! This delightful recipe is not only vegetarian but also comes together in just 45 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.

Packed with flavor, this pasta salad features a vibrant combination of ingredients, including whole-wheat penne, juicy vine-ripened tomatoes, and tender zucchini grilled to perfection. The dish is then topped with the crunch of red onion, the briny goodness of kalamata olives, and the creamy tang of ricotta salata or feta cheese. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and a fragrant aroma, tying all the flavors together beautifully.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. It's a perfect dish for those warm summer days when you want something light yet satisfying. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the tomatoes, garlic, and red-wine vinegar, creating a base that's both zesty and refreshing. The addition of grilled zucchini introduces a smoky element that complements the pasta wonderfully, while the olives and cheese add a touch of saltiness and creaminess.

Whether you're hosting a casual get-together, looking to impress at a potluck, or simply want to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal at home, this Whole-Wheat Pasta Salad with Grilled Zucchini and Olives is sure to hit the spot. It's a versatile dish that can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a breeze to manage the timing, especially if you're juggling multiple dishes.

With a caloric breakdown that balances protein, fat, and carbs, this recipe is a win-win for those mindful of their dietary needs. The pasta provides the carbohydrates for energy, while the vegetables, olives, and cheese contribute essential nutrients and a satisfying variety of textures.

So why not give this Whole-Wheat Pasta Salad with Grilled Zucchini and Olives a try? It's a recipe that's bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, offering a deliciously balanced meal that's as beautiful to present as it is to eat.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups basil fresh whole
  • 1.5 cups basil fresh whole
  • ounces pecorino diced
  •  garlic clove with 1 teaspoon salt minced mashed
  • 0.7 cup olives black chopped
  • 0.3 cup olive oil extra-virgin for brushing zucchini (preferabley )
  • 0.5 cup onion red chopped fine
  • tablespoons red-wine vinegar 
  • 1.5 pounds vine ripened tomato chopped
  • pound penne pasta whole-wheat
  • 1.5 pounds zucchini 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • grill
  • grill pan

Directions

  1. In a large bowl gently stir together tomatoes, onion, garlic paste, vinegar, and 1/4 cup oil
  2. Brush one side of zucchini slices lightly with additional oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a well-seasoned ridged grill pan over moderate heat until hot and grill zucchini, oiled sides down, in batches, brushing tops with more oil before turning, 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until just tender but not soft.
  4. Transfer zucchini as grilled to a small bowl.
  5. In a kettle of salted boiling water cook pasta until just tender and drain well.
  6. Add hot pasta to tomato mixture and toss well. Cool pasta slightly and stir in zucchini, olives, cheese, basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Pasta may be made 4 hours ahead and kept covered at room temperature.
  7. Serve pasta warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Calories453kcal
Protein13.65%
Fat34.87%
Carbs51.48%

Properties

Glycemic Index
46.17
Glycemic Load
2.21
Inflammation Score
-8
Nutrition Score
16.713913077893%

Flavonoids

Naringenin
0.77mg
Apigenin
0.01mg
Luteolin
0.1mg
Isorhamnetin
0.67mg
Kaempferol
0.19mg
Myricetin
0.17mg
Quercetin
4.13mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:453.36kcal
22.67%
Fat:17.55g
27%
Saturated Fat:4.19g
26.17%
Carbohydrates:58.31g
19.44%
Net Carbohydrates:49.43g
17.98%
Sugar:8.17g
9.08%
Cholesterol:14.46mg
4.82%
Sodium:274.32mg
11.93%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:15.45g
30.91%
Vitamin K:69.64µg
66.33%
Vitamin C:39.32mg
47.66%
Vitamin A:1989.86IU
39.8%
Fiber:8.87g
35.49%
Manganese:0.51mg
25.28%
Potassium:661.71mg
18.91%
Vitamin E:2.75mg
18.31%
Vitamin B6:0.34mg
16.97%
Folate:58.8µg
14.7%
Phosphorus:128.22mg
12.82%
Calcium:122.47mg
12.25%
Magnesium:47.12mg
11.78%
Vitamin B2:0.2mg
11.66%
Copper:0.21mg
10.29%
Iron:1.41mg
7.81%
Vitamin B1:0.11mg
7.47%
Vitamin B3:1.38mg
6.9%
Zinc:1.02mg
6.82%
Selenium:4.72µg
6.74%
Vitamin B5:0.44mg
4.44%
Vitamin B12:0.1µg
1.61%
Source:Epicurious
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