Nothing like the start of a new week to feel refreshed, recharged, and reenergized. Yes, we all need this kind of positivity on a Monday. And, we also need a really yummy recipe to inspire us as well. Go figure, today the recipe I am sharing involves pasta; actually, it’s a Greek Pasta Salad. I say it that way because pasta does not do much for me except make me feel blah and I am a much bigger fan of protein than I am of heavy carbs. Enough of that though.

This Greek Pasta Salad really came about because I had some extra lentil pasta on hand that was getting very lonely. I like to think of this as a unique spin on a classic! FYI: I can tolerate pasta made from beans/legumes a whole lot more than your regular, traditional kind. What I love is that it is made with one ingredient – lentils – and packs a nutritional punch with a healthy dose of protein (25 grams per serving) and fiber (11 grams per serving). Additionally, I had lots of tomatoes and feta that needed some attention, so a quick trip to the grocery store simply meant grabbing an English cucumber, green pepper, Kalamata olives, and a yummy Greek salad dressing.

Oh, and the basis of this recipe needed to be EASY too, hence pressing the “easy button” and not going with a homemade dressing (although this one is fabulous and pretty close to being homemade).

The one thing I did deviate from is using (red) onion. You are more than welcome to use but it is one thing that I can live without. It’s never really been my thing but, again, feel free to use as you see fit.

This is, definitely, a pasta that you can serve immediately but, since I had some time, I put mine together earlier in the day, and let sit in the fridge for a good 6-7 hours. Personally, I think it locks in the flavor a bit more, and gives true meaning to an authentic (cold) pasta salad.

AND, if you are not a fan of any other pasta than the good old fashioned kind, you can absolutely use it! Remember, eat for your goals and what you like!

Hope you enjoy, and hope this gets you excited for warm weather, barbecues, and some fun in the sun!

Here’s to a great week!

xoxo