Loaded Pasta Salad!

3 cups dry pasta (I used Smart Choice brand, but any pasta with high fiber/protein would work)
1/2 cup garbanzo beans (or white beans)
1/2 cup feta cheese (or shredded parmesan would be good!)
1/2 cup olives, (I buys pre-sliced)
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup red pepper, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup green peas, (I used frozen peas, and defrosted them in the microwave for 30 seconds)

Dressing:
1 package dry Italian dressing mix (I used Good Seasons brand)
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Start by cooking the pasta according to package directions, (3 cups dry pasta cooks in about 10-15 minutes).
Meanwhile, chop celery, red pepper, and red onion into fine dice. Chop cherry tomatoes in half. (The chopping doesn’t have to be precise, just to your liking!)
Make dressing by placing all of the ingredients in a sealed water bottle, or Tupperware container, and shake until everything is well combined.
Once pasta is done cooking, place in a strainer, and rinse with cool water. Add pasta to a large serving bowl. Add chopped vegetables, beans, peas, olives, and cheese. Lightly toss to combine everything.
Pour dressing over pasta salad, and toss until everything is coated with dressing. Serve immediately, (or place in the fridge overnight and serve the next day for the best results!)

Recipe and photo credit belongs to dashingdish.com. http://www.dashingdish.com/2011/06/loaded-pasta-salad/

Serving Size: Makes 9 servings

Number of Servings: 9

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user BEAKIEBEAN.