GREEK PASTA SALAD – Insalata di pasta alla Greca.

GREEK PASTA SALAD – Insalata di pasta alla Greca.
A refreshing and wholesome salad that combines the heartiness of pasta and chickpeas with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or summer dinner, this dish is packed with fresh vegetables, flavorful feta, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing spiced to perfection.

Ingredients (Serves 4):
• 6 oz short pasta (such as ziti)
• 3 oz crumbled feta (we used one with Mediterranean herbs)
• 8 oz chickpeas, cooked and drained
• ½ cup Kalamata olives (reserve a few for garnish)
• ½ red bell pepper, minced (reserve some for garnish)
• ½ cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (reserve some for garnish)
• ¼ red onion, diced
• ½ cucumber, diced
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ tbsp olive oil
Spices & Aromatics:
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp lemon-pepper seasoning (or ¼ tsp black pepper)
• ¼ tsp dried dill
• ½ tsp white seasoning garlic powder
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and cooked chickpeas with all the spices and aromatics and a round of olive oil. Let them marinate for 15–20 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
2. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool to room temperature.
4. Then add the cooled pasta to the marinated chickpeas.
5. Stir in the Greek yogurt, feta cheese, halved grape tomatoes, minced red and green peppers, cucumber, parsley, kalamata olives, and red onion.
6. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
7. Garnish with the reserved green and red pepper, and Kalamata olives.

Serve cold and enjoy!
Buon appetito! 🇬🇷✨