Summertime Easy Foods

Mediterranean Macaroni Pasta Salad, original recipe by Cheryl Carnright

Summertime and hot weather are not far off, especially here in Florida. Already our temps are in the low to high 80's so we're thinking cool, easy to prepare foods. So, with that in mind, here's a simple macaroni salad along the lines of the Mediterranean way of eating that is not only satisfying but lasts up to 3 days and tastes as good the third day as it did the first.

4 oz of macaroni pasta - your fav (I used Ancient Grains), cooked to al dente & rinsed in cold water - TruRoots Ancient Grain Gluten Free Pasta

2 roma tomatoes, cut small

1/2 English cucumber, cut into small pieces

1/4 large onion or a small onion - either red or white - chopped

2 large stalks of celery cut into small pieces

1/4 cup of sliced green olives - or kalamata or black - your fav

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

4 - 6 boiled eggs, chopped

2 - 4 oz feta cheese, either cow or goat - optional

1 cup chickpeas (garbanzo beans), optional

Dressing - whisked to combine:

1/4 cup olive oil

3 Tblsp red wine vinegar

1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard

salt & pepper to taste

Combine everything, let set at least 30 minutes. Store in covered container.

Enjoy!