Wild Eats & Treats!

Prosciutto Pasta Salad: A Flavorful, Nutritious Delight

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat rotini pasta
• 4 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped

Preparation

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Dressing:
   While the pasta is cooling, in a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

3. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, kalamata olives, and red onion. Toss these ingredients to mix them thoroughly.

4. Add the Prosciutto and Cheese:
   Once the salad base is combined, gently fold in the thinly sliced prosciutto and crumbled feta cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the salad.

5. Dress the Salad:
   Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat all components with the dressing, making sure everything is evenly dressed. Be careful not to mash the soft ingredients, such as the feta cheese.

6. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil leaves over the salad for an added burst of flavor and color. The prosciutto pasta salad can be served immediately or covered and refrigerated for up to two hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Recipe Summary

This Prosciutto Pasta Salad is not just a culinary delight but a healthy option packed with fresh ingredients. It blends the savory richness of prosciutto with the freshness of cherry tomatoes and spinach, offering a delightful crunch from the red onion and olives. The zesty dressing balances the flavors perfectly, while the feta cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy taste.

• Calorie Count: Approximately 350 calories per serving
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Serve this pasta salad as a main dish or side, and let the unique combination of flavors and textures delight your palate!