My Top Picks Summer Favorites Meatless

Pasta Salad with Walnuts & Feta Cheese

Source: Appleton Post Crescent

This is a great side dish with any meat (pork, beef or chicken).
Especially good with Fresno Tomato Basil grilled chicken sausages

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. whole-wheat or multi-grain spiral shaped pasta
  • 1/2 c. walnut pieces
  • 1/4 c. diced red onion
  • 1-1/2 c. baby spinach leaves
  • 1/2 c. low-fat feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing

  • 2 Tbls. walnut or olive oil
  • 2 Tbls. red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 t.)
  • 1/2 t. Dijon mustard
  • salt & fresh ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Set aside to cool at room temperature or refrigerate until ready to assemble.

In a small dry skillet, toast the walnuts over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until fragrant (3-5 minutes). Set aside to cool; then chop coarsely.

In a large bowl, toss the pasta, walnuts, feta, onion and spinach leaves. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic and mustard. Pour over the pasta salad and toss to combine.

Season with salt and pepper.

NOTE: This will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight contain for about a day. Serves 4