mediterranean pasta salad

It's about that time...people are coming out from hibernation. The trees are turning green, flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and the sun- yes the sun- is out!! And of course, as soon as possible we were outside grilling. We're back- yay!

Of course you'll need some delicious side dishes to go with the veggie burgers...that's where this pasta salad comes in.

This is an easy salad to make, with all of those wonderful Mediterranean flavors.

You will need:

1lb of pasta, your choice (we used rotini)

1 can artichoke hearts, quartered

1/2 cup kalamata olives, quartered

1/4 cup chopped parsley

olive oil

balsamic vinegar

salt and pepper

dried oregano

crumbled feta or goat cheese

Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box. After it's done cooking, rinse in cold water. Shake off excess water. In a large bowl combine pasta, artichokes, olives, and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and a small amount of vinegar, to your desired consistency. Add salt, pepper, and oregano to taste. Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese.

Enjoy along side any summer meal, or by itself!