Summer is full of backyard barbecues and last minute potlucks.

This salad would be a perfect addition to your summer menu.  You will soon see that It is not your everyday pasta salad, some of the ingredients include kalamata olives, and feta cheese.   And, the homemade greek vinaigrette gives it a the perfect touch.

Try it at your next summer gathering, it won’t disappoint.

{greek pasta salad with greek vinaigrette}

Salad

1 box bow tie pasta, cooked drained
1-2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 can chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained
1 cup kalamata olives, cut in half length wise
1/2 can or 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and cut in half length wise [optional]
1 cup roasted red peppers [optional]
5 cups fresh baby spinach

Greek Vinaigrette

1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 shallot, minced
1 tbs fresh basil, minced
1 tsp fresh oregano, minced
2 tbs fresh lemon juice
1 tbs agave nectar
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
3/4 cup olive oil

whisk together all ingredients except for olive oil.

slowly whisk in 3/4 cup olive oil a little at a time.

mix together all of the salad ingredients.  slowly add vinaigrette to salad, just until it is coated [you will have extra vinaigrette].  toss well and serve.

enjoy!