Broccoli & Feta Pasta Salad

By Joelene

This vegetarian pasta salad recipe is perfect for your next potluck or as an easy side dish. The broccoli keeps it nice and crunchy and the chickpeas add protein. For the best flavor, combine the pasta salad with the dressing about 1 hour before serving.

Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate, without dressing, for up to 1 day. Toss with the dressing about 1 hour before serving.

Ingredients

• DRESSING
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano or 1 tablespoon dried
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• PASTA SALAD
• 8 ounces (about 3 cups) whole-wheat fusilli
• 2 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 3/4 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

Step 1

To prepare dressing: Mash garlic and salt in a medium bowl with the back of a spoon into a chunky paste. Add buttermilk, mayonnaise, oregano and vinegar; whisk until combined.
To prepare pasta salad: Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain, transfer to a large bowl and let cool. Add broccoli, tomatoes, chickpeas, feta, pepper and the dressing; toss to coat.