Healthy Macaroni Salad

I’ve got a macaroni salad for you that taste like Grandma’s but, with creamy yogurt and tangy feta stepping in to replace the heavy mayo-based salad. With crunch, color and cool, your picnic will be the envy of them all.

·         1 pound dried whole wheat macaroni (or other noodle of choice)

·         1 1/2 cups 2-percent Greek yogurt

·         1/2 cup crumbled feta (about 4 ounces)

·         1/4 cup olive oil

·         Zest of 1 lemon

·         2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

·         1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

·         1 clove garlic

·         1 bell pepper

·         3 stalks celery

·         1 bag frozen peas (thawed)

·         Red onion (optional)

·         DIRECTIONS

·         Bring a large, generously-salted pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions. Drain in a colander and run under cold water until the macaroni is completely cooled. Shake the colander well to get rid of excess water. Transfer the macaroni to a large bowl. 

While the macaroni is cooking, make the dressing. Combine the yogurt, feta, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons salt, pepper and garlic in a food processor. Blend until well mixed. Scrape the dressing into the bowl with the macaroni. Add the bell pepper, celery, and peas.to the bowl and toss well. Check for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if desired.