WHOLE WHEAT GREEK PASTA SALAD

So guys, I FINALLY feel like I can return to being a somewhat normal human again.  Summer classes are coming to a close and after a craaaaazy busy 1 year and 6 weeks, I’m finally going to have time to spend with my blog again…I’ve missed it so much!

Anyway.

Here’s a little story about eating on a budget with a busy schedule – pasta is super cheap (and easy) but pasta in the summer time is much less appealing than pasta in the dead of winter.  That’s where pasta salad comes in handy – it’s pasta for the summertime.

 

It’s cold, it’s packed with fiber-rich veggies and whole grains and it doesn’t leave you feeling super weighed down. 

Plus, it makes a good amount of servings and keeps well in the fridge for at least three days which means easy meals for more than half the week! 

More of a caprese salad than a Greek salad person?  Try my whole wheat caprese pasta salad!

{whole wheat greek pasta salad}

ingredients:

• 1 13.25 oz. box whole wheat penne pasta (also delicious would be whole wheat cheese tortellini in place of the penne here)
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 2/3 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

directions:

1. Cook pasta according to directions, drain then rinse immediately with cold water and set aside
2. While the pasta cooks, dice cucumber and onion and half cherry tomatoes then combine in a large bowl with pasta and feta cheese
3. In a food processor, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic clove and process until well combined.  Add dried oregano, salt and pepper pulsing 1-2 more times.
4. Pour prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and fold all ingredients together to combine well.
5. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

NOTE: I omitted the olives because I don’t care for them, but feel free to toss in some pitted, halved olives if they’re your preference!

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