A light, summer pasta salad that is perfect to bring to a potluck or backyard BBQ.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Refrigeration Time30 minutesmins
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Salad:
8oz (224g)rotini or fusilli shaped pasta (high protein or whole grain)
1cup (150g)cherry tomatoes, halved
1cup (130g)chopped cucumbers
½cup (100g)chopped red onion
½cup (100g)Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
½cup (75g)chopped red bell peppers
1cup (152g)canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½cup (60g)vegan crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
¼cup (64g)tahini
1½tbsp (22mL)lemon juice
2tbsp (30mL)red wine vinegar
1clovegarlic, minced
2tsp (10g)Dijon mustard
1tsp (1.8g)dried oregano
1tsp (1g)dried basil
1tsp (1g)thyme
½tsp (2.5g)salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
2tbsp (30mL)maple syrup
2tbsp (30mL)water
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the dressing ingredients and set aside. (Dressing will thicken a bit as it stands.)
In a large bowl, assemble the salad by combining the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, red bell peppers, chickpeas, and vegan feta (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss it gently to coat everything evenly.
Put salad in an airtight container and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
Serve chilled. Make sure to toss the salad once more before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information: Recipe yields: 8 servings, Per serving: Calories: 245, Protein: 8.5g, Fiber: 4.6g, Carbohydrates: 36g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Cholesterol: 0mg **Please note: These nutrition facts are provided as an estimate and may vary depending on your ingredients. Check product labels or use an online calculator for additional accuracy.