Ingredients
8 oz (225g) whole wheat pasta
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
3 tbsp safflower oil
2 shallots, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Halal chickpeas (200g, optional substitution for meat)
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water
Chop cucumber, bell pepper, and sun-dried tomatoes; finely dice shallots and garlic
Heat safflower oil in a pan, sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant (2-3 mins)
Stir in balsamic vinegar, oregano, and salt; simmer for 1 minute
Combine cooled pasta, veggies, and dressing in a bowl
Chill for 30 minutes before serving
Add crushed red pepper flakes or halal chickpeas for variation
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta if needed
Chill at least 30 minutes for best flavor
Add fresh basil/cilantro at serving time for freshness
Drain sautéed veggies briefly to avoid watery salad
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry and Cold Preparation
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
