Everyone loves a pasta salad, and you can bring this to your next BBQ!   

Use whole wheat pasta for additional fiber and plenty of seasonal herbs and veggies to make this salad healthy and flavorful.   

Homemade dressing tops this off and it’s an easy one for the kiddos to help prepare. 

Ingredients: 

• 16 oz box of whole wheat pasta, cooked according to box directions 
• 1 bell pepper, any color, diced 
• 1 English cucumber, sliced into half moons 
• ½ red onion, diced 
• 3 roma tomatoes, diced 
• ½ cup black olives, sliced 
• Handful of fresh mint and parsley 

Dressing: 

• ¼ cup olive oil 
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice 
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 
• ½ teaspoon salt 
• ½ teaspoon black pepper 
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional) 
•  

Directions 

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. 
2. Cut all vegetables as directed above. 
3. In a large bowl, combine the vegetables (except mint and parsley). 
4. When pasta is done, rinse under cold water and place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. 
5. Place all dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk vigorously. 
6. Combine cooled pasta with vegetable mixture, add mint and parsley. 
7. Pour dressing over mixture, stir well to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste. 
8. Serve or place in refrigerator for up to five days.