Mom's Favorite Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Bright herbs, fresh veggies, and salty feta and chicken complement each other for this classically filling family favorite.

This is an incredibly forgiving recipe and always a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to riff on what vegetables you use what herbs you use what cheese you use and even what dressing you use. This is the way our family likes it, but it’s just as delicious as other combinations.

Though I don't know exactly how true this sentiment is, it certainly doesn't sound too far-fetched! Bright herbs, fresh veggies, and salty feta and chicken complement each other for this classically filling family favorite.

Ingredients

1. 1 lb pasta (bite nsized; bow tie, rotini, etc)

2. 1 1/4 C quartered cherry tomatoes

3. 1 1/4 C cut red peppers

4. 1 C Kalamata Olives

5. 1 1/2 C crumbled feta

6. 1 1/4 C cut cucumber

7. 1 C each blanched asparagus and broccoli

8. 1 1/2 C frozen peas and carrots

9. 1/2 C shredded basil, parsley, or dill

10. olive oil, salt, pepper

Procedure

Start by boiling a big pot of water for pasta. I add a heaping tablespoon of salt and a splash of oil to my water. While that’s waiting to boil prep your veggies. Cook 1 lb box of bite-sized pasta (eg bow ties or rotini) according to package directions for al dente.

I like to use a combination of cooked and Raw vegetables. In a large bowl combine quartered cherry tomatoes, sliced roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives chopped 1 1/2 cups crumbled feta 1 1/4 cups Persian or English cucumbers cut into small bite-size pieces. I also add blanched chopped broccoli and blanched asparagus cut into bite-sized pieces.

Place one and a half cups of frozen peas and carrots at the bottom of a colander and drain your pasta in the colander so that the peas and carrots defrost. Let your pasta cool for 10 minutes at room temperature. Place the pasta and all the vegetables in a large bowl. Add a half cup of shredded basil (parsley and dill work great here too - or do all three - oupa!). Now add salt and pepper (to taste) and mix the whole delicious mixture. Add salad dressing to taste and mix again - garnish with a bit of feta and basil. Enjoy!