Mediterranean pasta bowl (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the pasta salad

01 - 400g chickpeas (1 can), rinsed and drained
02 - 100g baby spinach, roughly chopped
03 - 450g fusilli pasta
04 - 75g pickled peppers, sliced
05 - 300g cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 100g mini bell peppers, thinly sliced
07 - 75g Kalamata olives, halved
08 - 100g grated parmesan cheese
09 - 75g provolone or mozzarella cheese, diced

→ For the dressing

10 - 3/4 tsp salt
11 - 60ml red wine vinegar
12 - 120ml extra virgin olive oil
13 - 2 tsp dried parsley
14 - 30ml lemony water (as a sub for pickled pepper juice)
15 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
16 - 3 tbsp shallots, finely chopped
17 - 2 dried oregano, tsp
18 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

# Instructions:

01 - Boil fusilli in a large pot of salted water until tender but firm. Drain, rinse in cold water, and set aside.
02 - Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemony water, shallots, minced garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let it sit for a bit to let the flavors blend together.
03 - Mix the cooled pasta with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, mini bell peppers, spinach, pickled peppers, olives, parmesan, and provolone in a big mixing bowl.
04 - Pour the dressing over everything and mix until everything is well-coated. Chill in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours so all the flavors soak in before serving.

# Notes:

01 - This Mediterranean-inspired dish packs in protein from chickpeas and cheese alongside a refreshing variety of veggies.
02 - It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. A splash of olive oil can freshen it up right before serving.
03 - For a kick of heat, try adding a pinch of chili flakes into the dressing.
04 - Switch things up by tossing in zucchini slices, artichoke hearts, or cucumbers—whatever you like!