Aggie's Kitchen

Create your Everyday Escape…and Creamy Greek Pasta Salad with Chickpeas

Let’s have a little fun why don’t we…

Let’s daydream about our favorite way to “escape” from our daily routine…

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Is it a spontaneous trip to the beach or pool with a book to get some much needed Vitamin D? Is it a night out with friends at a great restaurant for dinner so you don’t have to cook? Or maybe it’s a day at the spa….

Yea, I’ll take all three please. I’m sorry but it’s just needed for my mental sanity at times.

Sounds nice right? Well, I’d love to be able to give you all that, but will you settle for a chance to “Create an Everyday Escape” with a $75 SpaFinder gift certificate along with a nice sample pack of New Marzetti Greek Yogurt Veggie dips and snack container. Not too shabby huh?

But before we talk about the giveaway…

I recently tried Marzetti’s New Greek Yogurt Veggie Dips and absolutely loved them. They were sent to me to sample and I immediately knew I had to create something delicious with them. I tried two flavors, Salsa Cilantro and Cucumber Dill Feta. These are not your ordinary dips people, they are light and creamy, light on the calories and can really jazz up your ordinary afternoon snack or everyday recipe.

I opened the Salsa Cilantro first, and it did not last long enough for me to create any recipe with it. My daughter and I dipped our carrots and celery sticks in it for days, alongside our usual hummus, all the while she was exclaiming “mmmm…spicy!”. It’s really not spicy, more like zesty I would say. This dip would be a great spread on a wrap or as a dipping sauce for some quesadillas.

Creamy Greek Pasta Salad with Chickpeas

When I opened the Cucumber Dill Feta dip I knew I wanted to make a pasta salad with it. I am a big pasta salad fan but normally use homemade vinaigrette to dress it up. It was nice to enjoy a creamy pasta salad without too much guilt knowing it was made from a base of Greek yogurt instead of mayo. I made it a “meal in one” kind of pasta salad by using whole wheat pasta shells, chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) and veggies. I used what I had on hand but feel free to add in additional veggies such as chopped artichoke hearts or red bell pepper. If you need to please someone that likes to have meat in their meals, shredded rotisserie chicken would be a great addition to this as well. The salad was incredibly filling in a good way with lots of stuff that makes your body happy like protein and fiber. And healthy stuff aside, it tasted great and would be a nice addition to your lunch or dinner routine or an easy dish to bring to any get together.

Creamy Greek Pasta Salad with Chickpeas

Print Recipe

Creamy Greek Pasta Salad with Chickpeas

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 box whole wheat pasta shells, cooked and cooled
  • 1 container Otria Cucumber Dill Feta Greek Yogurt Dip
  • 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed, drained and dried
  • 1/2 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced thin
  • handful black or kalamata olives, sliced
  • small bunch flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or a little less crumbled feta)
  • good pinch kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients into large bowl and gently combine. Taste for salt and pepper. Serve immediately or can be refrigerated overnight.

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Creamy Greek Pasta Salad with Chickpeas

For more recipes and additional product information visit Marzetti’s Otria page.

(Disclosure: Marzetti provided me with my own “Create an Everyday Escape” prize pack. My opinions, however, are always my own.)

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Giveaway:

Two Aggie’s Kitchen Readers will win a “Create an Everyday Escape” prize pack which includes:

Free Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip coupons (5 per prize pack)
$75 SpaFinder Gift Card
Snack storage container

Starts Tuesday March 1 and ends Friday March 4 at midnight (EST). Two winners will be chosen using Random.org

Sorry, but giveaway open to U.S. readers only.

To enter:

Leave a comment on this post telling me why you need an “Everyday Escape” pack and how it will refresh your daily routine. Your comment is your entry for the prize.

Additional entries can be earned by:

1. Share this giveaway and link back to this post on Facebook, Twitter or your own blog and leave a separate comment telling me you did so. (you can earn 1 entry for each place you share, leave separate comments for each please.)

2. Become a fan of Aggie’s Kitchen on Facebook.  “Like” Aggie’s Kitchen then come back to this page and leave a separate comment telling me you did so. (if you already “like”, let me know, that counts as an entry!)

3. Follow @AggiesKitchen on Twitter, then come back to this page and leave a separate comment telling me you did so. (if you already follow, let me know, that counts as an entry!)

Good Luck!!

Are you following me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest? If you’d like to subscribe to Aggie’s Kitchen and have each post delivered straight to your e-mail box, then please add your email here. Happy cooking!

There are affiliate links in this post. I make small earnings through any purchases made through these links. Thank you for supporting Aggie’s Kitchen!

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86 comments on “Create your Everyday Escape…and Creamy Greek Pasta Salad with Chickpeas”

  1. The salad looks wonderful!! These dips are new to me and sounds delicious. I’m all for trying to eat veggies.. even if you need to dip them into something!

    This package would be wonderful for me because I’m always looking for a place to unwind and clear my mind. My body builds up a lot of stress, so I use yoga to deal with it.. but a massage would be wonderful!

  2. First off- how yummy does that pasta salad look??? I’ve never heard of this product and I can’t wait to try it!! I need to win this giveaway because preggers lady could use a massage or pedicure 😉 But truth be told…I’m kind of more excited about the Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip coupons!!!

  3. I follow Aggie’s Kitchen on Facebook.

  4. A pedicure would be awesome! I am in my last semester of college and it would be a great way to spoil myself 🙂

  5. I need a day away because I homeschool two teenagers, cook a ton of meals and do a lot of dishes. A spa trip would for sure rejuvenate my spirit and body.

  6. I could just take a scoop out of that pasta salad right now!! This package would be great for me because I’ve never had a massage before, and I also never really treat myself to things like that. It sounds heavenly!

  7. I like you on Facebook!

  8. And I follow you on Twitter (but you already knew that!) 😉

  9. I would love to win a prize pack. It would make any stress go away. Now I am craving Greek pasta salad. It looks delicious!

  10. Like you on facebook. Thanks for the chance!

  11. Because I REALLY want to make this salad! I have never heard of this dip before, so I’m going to have to scout out all the grocery stores around here in hopes of finding it! Seriously, this salad looks so YUMMY!

  12. I would love to win this prize so I could make this yummy looking salad…I guess I don’t need to win to make it-but it would be nice! :o)

  13. in a twist of events, my husband and i are moving in a month–didn’t think we’d buy a house that quickly and be moving so it’s going to be QUITE a crazy month…hence the need for this package 🙂

  14. I can’t believe I wasn’t following you on twitter! I am now!

  15. I need some time to myself! Although, I might invite my husband! lol. I have been working too much, need some time to just relax! I really want this salad.

  16. I like you on Facebook!

  17. Looks nice. I need a getaway because I just finished turning in over 30,000 box tops for my daughters school and I am sore!

  18. and followed you on twitter (usbornetheresa)

  19. 3 reasons I need this.
    1. Brandon
    2. Nathan
    3. Avery
    : – )
    Bonus would also be making the salad!

  20. I really need an escape. I have an almost 2 year old that has most definately hit that “terrible” stage:-) and I am currently 5 months pregnant. I work full time and are working on transitioning the 2 year old into the big boy bed. BTW I NEED to try this salad!

  21. I’ve been looking for a light but flavorful dip/topping/condiment for salads and veggies. I’ll give it a try!
    And why I need an “Everyday Escape Pack” – well, this May I will be 50 and was planning a wine country gettaway but discovered the cost is too great! I really want to do something special for this momentus stage but haven’t decided what yet. A spa treatment is always on my self-pamper list but rarely do I check it off.
    I just started food blogging and, this may sound weird, but it’s helping this self-proclaimed “shy woman”, come out of her shell (turing 50 yet!). I love the medium and I love your blog, Aggie! So even if I don’t win your contest, this outlet (food blogging) is helping to refresh and restore my routine! Thanks!

  22. Okay, I just added your contest post to my blog: http://www.NothingChocolate.wordpress.com
    Good luck to me!
    Bye! And thank you!

  23. I’m making this tonight! 🙂

  24. I have three boys and live in Minnesota. I am in need of time to myself! With the weather so cold we can’t even play outside. So I always have at least ONE son attached to me all hours of the day! Plus this weekend is my birthday! It would be an awesome gift. Thanks for the chance Aggie. And I can’t wait to try the dip. I try to replace non fat yogurt for mayo whenever I can.

  25. Follow you on twitter!

  26. And of course I follow you on facebook.

  27. Aggie, this pasta salad looks delicious!!! I LOVE pasta!! I Love veggies, unfortunately, i’m the only one in my house that does. I could make a smaller version for myself. I could use the “everyday escape pack” b/c I have 3 boys (5, if u include my husband and cat) that I “take care of” every day!!!! Could surely use a massage!!!!

  28. I “like” u on facebook

  29. i follow u on twitter!!!!

  30. Why I need this? Taking care of a family with the somtach flu for 1 week. Ugh

  31. I just had a baby so could do with a mini escape to get my head back for five minutes, plus the spa certificate would be awesome because i’m currently a mess!

  32. Oh wow, after preparing my (work) company’s year end financial statements, organizing my husband’s business end of year financial information, and taking care of two little boys (3 & 4) I could definitely use an escape of any kind… oh yeah, i’m also in school full time, finishing my second degree…. life is good. busy, but good…. and i, like all of us, could use some solo time!

  33. I am ready for a change of pace. My life is hectic with a 3 & 4 year old so I could use some rest and relaxation.

  34. I am a stay at home mom with four kids. I love Greek yogurt!

  35. I am a fan and love this post! That beach picture and your salads are calling my name

  36. Love it!! This is SUCH a great idea – and who isn’t starting to crave pasta salad with this warmer weather!

    I need an everyday escape for SURE -mostly to get away from work and hopefully to go on a trip that involves a recharge – a massage, a session with a personal trainer – something for me! I think it will help keep me motivated!! And i’ve never been to a spa – love the idea!

  37. I’m making this salad at the first opportunity I get!

    I could definitely use an escape from work and I’ve been meaning to treat myself to a massage since completing my first marathon back in January. Great timing for a giveaway 🙂 Thanks!

  38. Also, a facebook fan!

  39. I could totally use an Everyday escape! We are in the middle of packing to move, which I HATE packing! So i could use an escape from that!! Thanks for the fun giveaway!

  40. Why I need an escape: FT job, teenage daughters, husband, 2 dogs, 1 cat, house to keep up, busy times……just to name a few.

    Love the pasta salad and I’ve been wanting to try these greek yogurt dips. Great Giveaway Aggie!

  41. I am an Aggie’s Kitchen Facebook fan.

  42. Oh Aggie, where do I begin? My need for an escape has something mildly to do with the fact that I have three sweet, darling little cherubs that happen to suck just about every ounce of energy out of me! It’s the hardest, most thankless (is that a word?) job we’ll ever love to do. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but would SURELY give it up for a Spa Day!!! 🙂

  43. Posted giveaway and link on Facebook.

  44. I’m already a fan on Facebook!

  45. Why do I need this prize? Because I have three small children. ‘Nuff said. Great looking recipe you made with the dip, though. Yum!

  46. Some spa pampering is ALWAYS nice! I will take some Greek Pasta Salad with that please! Love ya Aggie!

  47. I need an escape because I am going on a trip that i will eat, drink, and party too much and will need to detox and relax when I get back 🙂

  48. An Everyday Escape sounds like the perfect way to end 6 days of caring for my husband after shoulder surgery 🙂

  49. I shared this giveaway on my FB page.

  50. I ‘liked’ Aggie’s Kitchen on Facebook.

  51. why do i need this? let me count the ways.Add that healthy salad with it and i must be dreaming

  52. I would love a little pampering! It’s been too long! Great salad too!

  53. i need this prize because session starts on tuesday! enough said, right? 😉 i would also love to make this pasta salad to bring with me to work for all those long hours i’m going to be working. it looks awesome!

  54. i just posted this on my fb page. 🙂

  55. and i am also now following you on twitter, even though i’m not sure what i’m doing on there. 😉 happy wednesday!

  56. and i already “like” you on fb, so that’s four entries for me now. woohoo! 😉

  57. I have three children which could be enough right there! I homeschool two of them and one is in school plus I work on out of the house job, too. Lots of stuff to make one want a little reprieve 😉

  58. Everybody needs a little spa love – I would thoroughly enjoy it, but I just read Celine’s post and session starts next week and she won’t be able to join us for wine to unwind. She’s also letting her hair grow out – super stressful, and her girlfriend works nights so she doesn’t get to have the cuddle time on the couch. I think Celine may need the Spa Finder gift certificate more than I.

  59. I neeeeeeeed a spa day so badly. Owning a business is exhausting.

  60. As mothers we seldom take the time to pamper ourselves. Thanks for the opportunity to have an excuse to do so.

  61. I would love the escape pack because I don’t often treat myself! It’s that time of year when I dream of getting a facial, but it’s not in our budget. My skin could use the refresher to welcome spring and ward of dry winter flakes!

    By the way, I recently started making dip with plain greek yogurt, so I am looking forward to trying these veggie dips, they look awesome! Thank you for a chance at this great giveaway.

  62. Um why do I need this prize??? I am working 2 jobs and trying to keep up with a 3 year old. Trying being the key word! P.s. I am already a fan and always will be! LOL

  63. I shared on Facebook!

  64. I am a fan on facebook.

  65. I shared the link on facebook

  66. I think i need the “escape” because I have a 4 year old son I come home to after teaching 18 five year olds 🙂 but i do love every minute of it!!

  67. Well for starters I’ve never been to a spa. I have always wanted to go but money always seems to go to the kids or bills. Second I am also a full time student in college, full time wife, mom and house keeper. I really would love to find out what a spa day is like. Thank you. Attis love the idea with adding the chicken the boys loved it.

  68. mind.blown.

    I wouldn’t have thought to put tzatziki style yogurt on a Greek salad. Totally genius.

  69. I could use the spa because I’m Stranded in Cleveland. I relocated to Cleveland due to my husband’s job. It snows almost every day. I could use a break from shoveling.

  70. Beacuse I am bushed! It has been a SUPER long week – out of town conference, cranky three year old and a cold! Help!

  71. Oh…this is such perfect timing! I need to escape the cold of Denver and get to FL ASAP! VIT D is much needed…I look like Casper! Ghostly white!

    Love the recipe and just put chickpeas in a pot to soak overnight so I know what we will be having tomorrow! This salad!

  72. Already a Follower…have been and happy to do so!

  73. Just TWEET, Tweet, Tweeted tis post.

  74. I find my Everyday Escape on Wednesdays. My friend and I call Wednesdays, Wine Down Wednesday!!! Sometimes it is outback by her pool, or in front of my home, watching 5 and 6 year olds play basketball. I need to be refreshed, and SOON!!!

  75. I need it to prepare a good healthy meal for my family.

  76. I am sohamolina (Soha M) FB liker —– [email protected]

  77. I am @sohamolina twitter follower—[email protected]

  78. Pingback: Black Bean Quesadillas | Aggie's Kitchen