Mediterranean Pasta Salad

🛒 Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

• 1 (16 oz) box of chickpea pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties work great)

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1/3 cup pickled red onion

• 1 cup chickpeas

• 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• Juice of half a lemon

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor and emulsification)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.

2. Make the Dressing
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Assemble the Salad
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, pickled red onion, chickpeas, feta cheese, and fresh parsley.

4. Dress the Salad
   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

5. Serve and Enjoy
   Taste again before serving and adjust with more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.