Greek Pasta Salad

One of my favorite summer (well, any season, who am I kidding) side dishes is pasta salad. One reason that I love it so much is because it is easy and a crowd pleaser! This Greek pasta salad is vegetarian, and if you choose to omit the cheese, it can easily be made vegan, too! This side dish is loaded with lots of good for you stuff- veggies, chickpeas, and whole wheat pasta. It tastes great, is good for you, and can be made in advanced? WIN- WIN! Remember to tag me in pictures if you make any of these recipes. Instagram- @lifewithsarahdavis Facebook- @SarahElizabeth

Author: Sarah Davis

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour or up to 24 hours. (pasta salad is one of those things, the longer it sits, the better it gets)

Keywords: Easy, Side, Pasta Salad, Vegan, Vegetarian, Quick, Healthy

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 box whole wheat pasta (feel free to use whatever you like here!)
• 1 16oz can chick peas/garbanzo beans
• 1 cucumber
• 1 bell pepper
• 8-10 cherry tomatoes
• 1 small red onion
• 5-10 kalamata olives 
• 1/2 cup feta *omit if making a vegan version*
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley

For the dressing:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon + a splash red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pinch of thyme
• Juice of half a lemon
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil water and cook your pasta to package directions. Drain and rinse. Set aside to cool.

2. Add the ingredients for the dressing to the bottom of a large salad bowl. Whisk until well incorporated.

3. Peel and dice your cucumber, dice your bell pepper, and add them to the dressing bowl.

4. Slice your onion very thinly and add to the dressing bowl.

5. Halve your cherry tomatoes and olives. Then add to the bowl.

6. Drain and rinse your chickpeas and add them to the bowl.

7. Add your pasta, cranberries, feta *Omit if making vegan option*, and fresh chopped parsley. Mix until well combined.

8. Cover and put in the fridge for 1 hour before serving.

Notes:

1. Feel free to add/substitute any vegetables for something that you have on hand or like better!