The 4th of July has always been a special time. Growing up, we spent it in NH with friends watching fireworks at the nearby resort or camp watching the fireworks over the lake. Then, as I got older, I spent my 4ths in the city watching fireworks over the Charles River or by the ocean.
With all that is happening right now, I am not in a celebratory mood this year. However, I am excited to spend time with my friends. My friends are hosting a barbeque potluck, and I was asked to bring my Pasta salad that my friend is obsessed with. She is gluten-free and finds it hard to find gluten-free food she likes. So this year, I decided I wanted to make two of the same greek pasta salad, but one is gluten-free, and one is gluten. It will be easy because I will make the same base and cut it in half.
This Greek pasta salad is delicious and easy to make. I will not make it only for potlucks but also for hot summer days when I don’t want to use the stove or cook. I can make a big batch and eat it all week. It usually does not call for chicken, but sometimes I will add some precooked check from Trader Joe’s. Chicken adds protein and beefs it up to more of a meal. This version of a greek pasta salad is filled with broccoli, onion, cucumber, black olives, carrots, pepper, feta cheese, and Italian dressing. You could add asparagus, artichoke hearts, peapods, and green beans. I am all about a delicious meal filled with vegetables.
Now onto the recipe. I know you will love this as much as I do.
Xoxo-Nikki
Easy Greek Pasta Salad Perfect for A Potluck:
Ingredients:
1 box of any pasta you like ( I like penne or macaroni)
1/2- onion
2- large carrots
1/2 head of a medium broccoli stock
1 can of black olives
1 pepper any color
1 medium cucumber
1 container of cherry tomatoes
1 package of feta cheese
1 bottle of Italian dressing ( I like Kens the best, but I think it might only be a northeast item)
Recipe:
Fill a big pot with water and cook pasta according to the box (cook it one minute less). While the pasta is cooking, cut the vegetables into bite-size pieces and add them to a big bowl. Once the pasta is done, drain and run cold water over the pasta to stop the cooking process. Add the pasta to the vegetables, throw in the feta cheese and add the Italian dressing. Mix it all up and enjoy.
