Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This pasta salad received a chef's kiss from my clients and their families. Now you know it has to be good.

I found myself helping clients find recipes that could satisfy their health needs and goals as well as their desire to continue to eat the foods they loved. Pasta tends to be one of those foods that is "non negotiable", meaning they're family loves it and it's convenient for their lifestyle. The good thing about pasta is, it's a great vehicle for vegetables!

I made the Mediterranean Pasta Salad tonight, everyone loved it! I doubled the recipe and added spinach, it just kept growing! - MD, Tide & Thyme Nutrition client

Feel free to adjust the recipe to meet your family's preferences and your nutritional needs. Adding certain vegetables can increase the nutritional value that meet your goals. Vegetables such as spinach adds more protein and Vitamins that support strong bones (K) and a healthy immune system (C)

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups Chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

• 2 carrots

• 2 bell peppers, diced

• 2 cups broccoli (cut up small)

• 2 cups cauliflower (cut up small)

• 2 cups cooked asparagus (cut up small)

• ½ red onion, diced

• 1 cup Feta (eliminate if not desired)

• 2 tsp dry dill

• 8 oz Penne pasta (sub protein or wheat pasta)

• Red Wine Vinaigrette (homemade or store bought)

Directions

Are you ready for the easiest recipe directions?

1. Cook pasta according to box instructions, let cool

2. Place pasta and vegetables in a bowl and toss with red wine vinaigrette, to taste

Serving Suggestions

The Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a great lunch option, portion out into containers and it's grab n' go out the door in the morning. Serve alongside grilled chicken or a filet of in-season fish for an a boost of lean protein.