Greek Pasta Salad

  

I have had my "vacation." I'll let you guess to where...

Need a hint?

It was not tropical.

It was not filled with white sand and swarthy Hispanic servers.

I did not get to relax.

In fact, I hardly slept. I  was even more tired than before I "vacationed."

Answer: I went to St. George. Ask, me why. I have no clue. Traveling anywhere with an 11 month old is a joke. She didn't sleep. I didn't sleep. She was full of energy. I had no energy. I even got a taste of what those parents feel that have to drive around in the car to get the baby to sleep. And, I am here to say, I'm sorry. I'm glad Swayze is usually a very good sleeper when she is in the comfort of her own crib.

So, next time I decide to "go away for the weekend"... please tell me NO!

Time to get back to business. Well, actually this dish is not really a back to business dish. This one was born in an "I really don't feel like cooking anything... today, tomorrow, or for a week type of attitude." This is so simple, and definitely perfect for a hot summer day, or to bring to your next BBQ.

Greek Pasta Salad

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

1 lb Bow Tie Pasta, cooked and drained 

Juice from 1/2 Lemon

Cardini's Greek Dressing ( or Greek dressing of choice)

Salt, to taste

Coarse Ground Pepper, to taste

1 large Cucumber, diced

10 oz Grape Tomatoes, halved lengthwise

Chopped Parsley, to taste

4-6 oz Crumbled Feta

Directions:

Cook and drain pasta as directed on packaging.

Meanwhile, chop up all veggies.

Pour cooked pasta into a serving dish, or mixing bowl and transfer to a serving dish later. Squeeze the lemon half over the pasta. Add in the Greek dressing, start with about 1/2 cup. Throw in the cucumber, tomatoes, parsley and feta. Combine. Season with salt and pepper. Add more dressing as needed. Allow to chill, if time permits. ( I hope that it does.) 

Grill up some chicken or steak and serve over cold pasta for a main dish serving. Have a great Monday!