DELICIOUS PESTO DISH RECIPE (MEDITERRANEAN DIET)
DELICIOUS PESTO DISH RECIPE (MEDITERRANEAN DIET)

MEDITERRANEAN DIET: PESTO DISH RECIPE
Mediterranean Diet: The first time I tried pesto was about 20 years ago when I was windsurfing on Lake Garda in Italy, not too far from the Mediterranean coast. A few friends were preparing a pesto dish which I had never tried before. For those who may not be familiar with pesto, its a sauce that originates from Italy and is usually served with pasta. It comes in various combinations but is normally made up of fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and salt.
Pasta was always something I had associated with a tomato-based spaghetti sauce so I was quite skeptical at first, especially since the pesto I was trying for the first time wasn’t fresh but came out of a clear glass jar.
My first impression when seeing a jar filled with a green concoction called “pesto” was not very positive and I was quite skeptical! I wasn’t disappointed though and loved it. So much so, that a jar of pesto quickly became a standard item in my pantry. However, like most things, making it by hand with fresh ingredients always trumps. I hope you enjoy this recipe below (which uses feta cheese instead of Parmesan) and wish you “ Buon appetito”!
(If you would like to find out more about the Mediterranean then check out our post on Mediterranean Lifestyle and Travel for helpful tips and ideas.)
Prep Time and Servings
Servings: 2 to 3
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup diced cucumbers
1 cup diced tomatoes
¼ cup crumble feta cheese
6 oz whole wheat bowtie pasta
½ cup chopped kalamata olives
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped basil (fresh)
Salt and pepper

Instructions
-Prepare bow-tie pasta as per the package instructions. Drain, rinse with hot water and put aside.
-Using a bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, basil and olive oil.
-Add the pasta to the mixture in the bowl and toss.
-Add a pinch of salt and pepper
MEDITERRANEAN DIET: PESTO DISH RECOMMENDATIONS
My first recommendation is that you imagine yourself somewhere on a “Mediterranean Coast” when you serve this dish. My second recommendation is that you serve this with your favorite wine. Either a red like a Pinot Noir, or a white like a Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy!
(For more recipes follow the following links: Greek Lemon Herb Chicken, Rosemary Roast Chicken, Lemon Garlic Pork Chops, Olive Oil Grilled Turkey)
Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!
How about experiencing the Mediterranean Diet first hand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!
Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.