Zesty Mediterranean Pasta Salad
A vibrant, satisfying pasta salad packed with tender ground turkey, crisp cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, and briny olives. Tossed in a homemade lemon-herb vinaigrette, it is perfect for hot days and meal prep.
Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Total
25 min
Makes
6 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Marie + Lila
Marie created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Total
25 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Large pot · Whisk · Mixing bowl
Time saver
Prep the vegetables and measure pantry ingredients earlier in the day to shorten cook time.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 6 steps complete
Next: Bring a large pot of salted water…
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water…
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340g) gluten-free pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water until chilled, and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Look for: al dente
Tap card to mark done - 02
Place a skillet over medium-high heat at…
While pasta cooks, place a skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F (190°C). Add 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 7 to 9 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Look for: fully browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Tap card to mark done - 03
Whisk together 4 tbsp (60ml) extra-virgin olive…
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 4 tbsp (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp (15ml) red wine vinegar, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
Look for: emulsified
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Add the cooked turkey
Add the cooked turkey, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced red bell pepper, and 0.5 cup sliced kalamata olives to the bowl with the pasta.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and…
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Look for: all ingredients are evenly coated
Tap card to mark done - 06
Serve immediately or cover and chill in…
Serve immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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