Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate vegan cookie recipe, these Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are my all time favorite. Soft, chewy, and full of rich chocolatey goodness, they’re an indulgent dessert or snack that everyone can enjoy. Bonus? They’re easily adaptable to be gluten-free!

This recipe is simple to make—no flaxseeds or egg replacers required—and comes together in just 20 minutes. With the sweetness of maple sugar, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon, these cookies deliver a comforting, classic flavor with a plant-based twist.

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Vegan-Friendly: Made with plant-based butter and plant-based milk
  • Easily Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make them suitable for everyone.
  • Quick & Easy: Prep and bake these cookies in just 20 minutes!
  • Rich Flavor: Maple sugar and cinnamon add depth, while dark chocolate chips bring the perfect amount of sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cup all-purpose unbleached flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon, organic

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plant-based butter, softened (e.g., Smart Balance) or Miyoko’s Cultured Vegan Butter
  • 3/4 cup maple sugar (Crown Maple brand recommended)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cane sugar (organic preferred)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp plant-based milk (e.g., unsweetened soy milk or unsweetened almond milk)

Mix-Ins:

  • 1 1/4 cup non-dairy dark chocolate chips (e.g., Enjoy Life brand)
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats (organic)

Instructions To Make the Best Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.

3. Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the plant-based butter, sugars, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This ensures your wet ingredients are evenly mixed.

4. Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Then, fold in the oats and chocolate chips for that delicious texture and flavor.

5. Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form dough balls about 1.5 to 2 inches in size. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each one to allow for spreading.

6. Bake: Bake your cookies for 9–11 minutes, depending on your preferred texture. For softer cookies, bake closer to 9 minutes, or bake a little longer for a firmer texture. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes to set.

7. Enjoy: Serve the cookies warm for that perfect gooey center, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3–5 days to enjoy later.

Tips for the Perfect Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Measure Flour Carefully: Use the scoop-and-level method to avoid overpacking the flour, which can make cookies dry.
  • Soften the Butter: Allow plant-based butter to soften at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
  • Customize Mix-Ins: Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.

2. What’s the best plant-based or vegan butter to use?
Smart Balance works great, but may not be 100% vegan, you can also use Earth Balance or Miyoko’s vegan butter for similar results. In food deserts 100% vegan butter, may be difficult to find.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies stacked on a plate, made with plant-based ingredients

Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Julie Pace, RDN
These cookies are sweetened with a combination of maple sugar, brown and cane sugar for an extra rich flavor that's infused with a dash of cinnamon and vanilla. This classic cookie is one that everyone will love. Store in an airtight container in a cool place for 3-5 days.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 28

Ingredients
  

  • 1-3/4 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup plant-based butter, softened I used smart balance
  • 3/4 cup maple sugar I used Crown Maple brand
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cane sugar organic
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp plant-based milk I used soy
  • 1-1/4 cup non-dairy dark chocolate chips I used Enjoy Life brand
  • 2 cup old fashioned oats organic

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a medium bowl, add flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon then whisk together.
  • In a separate bowl, beat butter, sugars, milk, and vanilla together until creamy.
  • Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients then fold in old fashion oats and chocolate chips.
  • Place 1.5 to 2 inch balls on lined baking sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until baked to your desired texture.
  • Enjoy them warm and gooey or let them cool on wire rack for a few minutes to set.

Notes

Make sure to measure flour correctly so that cookies don’t turn out dry. It’s important to let butter sit out for a few minutes so that it softens and makes it easier to cream together evenly.
This recipe can be made by hand with just a whisk and large spoon. 
Keyword cookie recipe, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, plant-based

Brain Health: How To Keep Your Brain Healthy & Your  Mind Sharp

Brain Health: How To Keep Your Brain Healthy & Your Mind Sharp

When a disease or disorder takes over the brain and robs it of its language and memory, the disease takes away you. After all, your brain is what makes you you. While there are some risk factors that are not modifiable, research has shown there are lifestyles practices that you can do to keep your brain healthy and your mind sharp that can help you live a longer, healthier life.

The Brain

You may have heard someone refer to your brain as the “control center” of your body. This would make sense, since it controls every process that regulates your body. Your brain, a corrugated three-pound mass, is a complex symphony of electrochemical reactions that is active every second of every day. Many of these reactions are unconscious. For example, the brain makes the lungs expand when needed and the heart pump blood continuously. It also stores memories, processes sights, sounds, taste and smells and controls emotions and hunger. For those reasons, it’s important to keep your brain as healthy as possible for as long as possible to stave off chronic—often incurable—diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Fortunately, science shows us how to do this.

6 Pillars of Brain Health

Your lifestyle choices have a profound effect on your brain health. For example, what you eat and drink, how much you exercise, how much you socialize, how you manage stress, and how well you sleep are all vital to your brain health.

Your brain health is influenced by these six core pillars:

  1. Physical Exercise
  2. Stress Management
  3. Restorative Sleep & Relaxation
  4. Social Interaction
  5. Physical Health
  6. Food & Nutrition

In this article, we’ll go through each one of these pillars of brain health and discuss specific and actionable strategies that can you can do to optimize and protect your brain health.

Prioritize Exercise For Brain Health, Body & Mind

Exercise is one of the most important daily habits to prevent cognitive decline. While there is no one-size-fits-all prescription for the optimal dose of exercise to optimize your brain health, there are evidenced-based exercises associated with health benefits for the brain. Keep in mind, the best exercise program for one person may be vastly different from that of another person.

Aerobic exercise, also known as “cardio” or “endurance” exercise, helps to get your heart rate up and your muscles warm. Examples of aerobic exercises include biking, swimming, running, and climbing stairs. This type of exercise benefits your brain because it helps to preserve existing brain cells and also promotes the growth of new ones.

Another type of exercise is strength or “resistance” training such as pushing or pulling weights or lifting other heavy objects (like groceries). This type of exercise is to help build and maintain muscles and bones. Strength training also helps your brain by enhancing your concentration and improving your decision-making skills.

Stress Management

If you’ve been alive long enough, you’ve experienced some form of stress. Whether you’ve experienced physical, emotional, or psychological stress, you know what that automatic “flight or fight” response feels like. When this occurs, you may feel your heartbeat pounding in the side of your neck, start sweating profusely, or feel as though you are about to hyperventilate. All of these reactions occur automatically and are initiated by your brain when it detects a threat.

Once the threat is gone, the stress response relaxes and your body and brain can regain their normal stress balance. However, sometimes that stress lingers on for days, weeks, or months and becomes long-term or “chronic” stress. It’s this chronic stress that can negatively impact your brain. Chronic stress can shrink the part of your brain, the prefrontal cortex, that’s responsible for memory and learning which can cause cognitive decline. In addition, chronic stress can increase the part of your brain, the amygdala, that can make you more susceptible to stress.

While you cannot eliminate stress completely, you can learn effective techniques to better manage stress and preserve your brain health.

Quality Sleep For Brain Health

Sleep is essential for keeping your brain healthy and your mind sharp. Without it, you can’t create or maintain new pathways in your brain that allow you to learn and create new memories. In addition, sleep deprivation makes it hard for you to concentrate and respond quickly. Research has shown that a chronic lack of sleep or even poor sleep quality increases your risk of disorders including high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

So what can you do to support quality sleep?

One of the most important things you can do to get enough sleep is to create a regular sleep schedule. By going to bed and waking up at about the same time every day—including weekends and even when you’re traveling—you “train” your body and brain to get on a healthy sleep schedule.

Another strategy to help you get more sleep is to create a relaxing bedtime routine. That routine can start one to three hours before you need to sleep and can include things like dimming lights, putting your screens away, listening to relaxing music, reading a book, or taking a warm relaxing bath.

Stay Connected Socially To Optimize Brain Health

Strong social connections are vital to your brain health. Socializing can stimulate the brain in many ways including stimulating your attention, memory and strengthening neural networks. As you age, it can become more difficult to stay connected, however, it is essential to do so. One study suggest that loneliness can increase your risk of dementia by as much as 40%.

While it can be beneficial to have large social circles, it’s important to remember to choose quality over quantity. Not all relationships are created equal. Stressful relationships or particular social circles can negatively impact your health. Invest your time and energy into relationships that energize you as opposed to the relationships that drain you.

Control Medical Conditions To Protect Brain Health

Depending on your personal health situation, you may be advised to take medications or supplements to manage a health condition. These can be important to reducing your risks for serious conditions and slowing down the progression of diseases. Some medical conditions are linked to the deterioration of brain function these include high blood pressure, diabetes, and excess weight. These conditions can increase your risks of cognitive decline and developing dementia. Therefore, it’s important to prevent or manage these health conditions to ensure the best possible health outcomes.

As always, consult with your doctor and/or dietitian before taking supplements to support brain health in order to decrease your risk of drug interactions and to ensure you are getting a high-quality supplement.

Nutrient Dense Foods For Brain Health

There are several foods and nutrients that promote a healthy brain by slowing cognitive decline and reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic diseases. You may have heard of the MIND diet that’s designed to help prevent dementia and to slow the decline of brain function as you age. The MIND diet emphasizes foods that are rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals, and other nutrients that are vital for optimal brain health.

Keep reading to learn a few of the key foods and nutrients that may help boost your brain health.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

One of the best sources of omega-3’s are chia seeds with one ounce providing 5,000mg of ALA omega 3 fatty acids. Hemp seeds contain 3,000mg of ALA omega 3 fatty acids in just 3 tablespoons. Walnuts are another source of healthy fats and ALA omega 3’s. Studies have shown that eating walnuts can have significant improvements in memory and cognitive performance. Am I the only one who thinks it’s pretty interesting how walnuts resemble the brain? Lastly, flaxseeds are a nutritional powerhouse that are also an excellent source of ALA omega 3’s. Chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts can easily be incorporated into your diet.

Plant-Based Nutrition For Brain Health

Healthy Breakfast Oatmeal Bowl Plants contain more than vitamins and minerals, they’re also a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Eating a plant-rich diet helps more than your brain, it’s also associated with better heart health and weight management.

Some of the top plants for brain health are brightly-colored fruits and vegetables like berries, leafy greens, and broccoli. You should aim to fill half your plate with a diversity of colorful vegetables to maximize your antioxidant and nutrient intake.

Cocoa & Dark Chocolate For Brain Health

These powerful plant compounds can help improve blood flow to the brain and reduce inflammation. Two of my favorite brain foods, cocoa powder and dark chocolate, contain high amounts of flavonols in the form of epicatechin a substance that can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Flavonols are a class of flavonoids that have biological activity such as antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and vasodilation effects, and have been considered as potential anti-cancer agents.

In order for the brain to function optimally, cerebral blood flow needs to be maintained to support oxygen and glucose supply to the neurons. The main polyphenols that can enhance cerebral blood flow come from berries, cocoa, soya, tomatoes, grape seeds, wine, and tea.

According to research, ingestion of a single dose or a one-week treatment with cocoa rich in flavonol increases cerebral blood flow in grey matter and reverses endothelial dysfunction which suggest its potential in the treatment of cerebrovascular problems.

Coffee & Tea For Brain Health

You may be wondering which type of tea is best to drink for brain health. When it comes to teas, black and green teas contain the most antioxidants. Green tea is one of the healthiest because it’s packed with antioxidants, polyphenols, and a catechin called EGCG. which may boost your brain function.

The EGCG also helps to protect brain cells from oxidative stress in order to reduce your risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia.

Likewise, consuming up to two to four cups a day of coffee is beneficial to your brain. Research shows drinking black coffee is linked with the prevention of cognitive decline and can reduce your risk for having a stroke and developing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Vitamin D For Brain Health

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in brain health. You have vitamin D receptors which are found throughout your brain tissue. The biologically active form of vitamin D has shown neuroprotective effects including the clearance of amyloid plaques which is an indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. If you are unable to get adequate vitamin D through your diet, supplementation may be needed.

Reservatrol For Brain Health

Reservatrol is a natural polyphenol that’s found in red wine and the skin of red grapes. As a natural food ingredient, multiple studies have demonstrated that resveratrol has a very high antioxidant potential.

Resveratrol may reduce cell damage and protect against the formation of plaques in the brain. However, if you plan on getting this powerful antioxidant from red wine, remember, too much alcohol is not good for the brain, so be sure to drink in moderation.

While there are many resveratrol supplements on the market, due to its poor solubility, bioavailability, and potential adverse effects, it’s best to get your dose of resveratrol from natural food.

Keep In Mind

There are many things you can do to optimize and protect your brain health. They include a number of healthy habits such as getting exercise, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, socializing with others (or with pets), and following recommendations for medications and supplements. When it comes to food and nutrition for brain health, try to get enough omega-3s, more plants, spices, dark chocolate, coffee, tea, vitamin D, and a bit of red wine.

Remember, taking proactive steps to support your brain health can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being and quality of life. By incorporating these evidence-based strategies into your daily routine, you’re investing in a healthier, more vibrant future. If you’re ready to take the next step towards optimizing your health and protecting your brain, schedule an appointment with our team today. Let us help you unlock your full potential so you can live your best life.

Easy Red Lentil Soup Recipe

Easy Red Lentil Soup Recipe

Looking for a meal that’s easy, nutritious, and satisfying? This red lentil soup with lemon is exactly what you need. You’ll love the earthy richness of red lentils with the zesty freshness of lemon, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a hearty dinner.

Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this soup is not only comforting but also supports overall wellness. Plus, it’s super simple to prepare.

Why Red Lentil Soup is Good for You

Red lentils, the main ingredient in this recipe, are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re rich in plant-based protein, making them ideal for those who eat a plant-based diet or anyone aiming to eat healthier. Their high fiber makes them great for weight management since fiber keeps you feeling full longer and supports digestion. What’s more? Red lentils are loaded with essential nutrients like iron, folate, and potassium, which boost energy and promote heart health.

Pairing red lentils with lemon enhances the flavor and adds a burst of vitamin C, improving the absorption of iron from the lentils. This makes red lentil soup both delicious and nutritionally balanced.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 sweet onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a flavor base.
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth to complement the lentils.
  • 2 tbsp avocado or extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing, adding richness.
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Gives the soup a smoky undertone.
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder: Adds warmth and earthiness.
  • 3/4 tsp salt: Enhances overall flavor.
  • 1 cup dried red lentils: Quick-cooking and perfect for a creamy texture.
  • 4 cups vegetable broth: A flavorful base to tie everything together.
  • 1 lemon, juiced: Brightens the soup with a refreshing zing.
  • Optional: Lemon zest for garnish and added citrus aroma.

How to Make Red Lentil Soup

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by dicing the sweet onion and mincing the garlic. These steps ensure even cooking and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

2. Sauté Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and slightly golden. This step caramelizes the onion for a deeper flavor.

3. Add Spices

Stir in the smoked paprika and cumin. Let the spices cook for about a minute to release their aroma and intensify the flavor.

4. Combine Ingredients

Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the red lentils. Add the lemon juice and, if desired, some lemon zest. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

5. Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The lentils will soften and thicken the soup, creating a creamy, hearty texture.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with lemon zest or fresh parsley, and serve warm. Pair with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for the Best Red Lentil Soup

  • Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or blend a portion of it with an immersion blender.
  • Boosting Flavor: A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a slight kick, while fresh herbs like cilantro bring brightness.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This red lentil soup isn’t just healthy—it’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, it’s a dish that satisfies every time. Add it to your meal rotation for a go-to option that supports your health and keeps you coming back for more.

A bowl of hearty red lentil soup garnished with fresh parsley and lemon zest.

Easy Red Lentil Soup with Lemon

Julie Pace, RDN
This easy red lentil soup with lemon is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Made with simple ingredients like red lentils, garlic, and spices, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. The fresh lemon adds a bright, zesty twist, making this comforting soup both delicious and healthy. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Mediterranean, plant-based, vegan
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sweet onion, diced
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp avocado or extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup red lentils, dried
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions
 

  • Dice the onions and mince the garlic.
  • Add oil to stock pot. Add in garlic and onions. Heat to medium-high heat and saute the onions and garlic until slightly browned.
  • Add in the cumin and smoked paprika, stir well.
  • Add the vegetable broth, red lentils, lemon juice and a little lemon zest to pot.
  • Simmer on low for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • When done, add soup to into bowls and serve.
Keyword Anti-inflammatory Soup, healthy lentil soup, red lentil soup, Vegan lentil Soup

Sweet Pea & Potato Curry Soup

Sweet Pea & Potato Curry Soup

Sweet Pea & Potato Curry Soup

Julie Pace, RDN
This one pot Sweet Pea & Potato Soup with Jasmine rice is creamy, filling, nutritious and delicious. This recipe is packed with good-for-you ingredients like sweet peas, sweet potatoes, curry, cumin, fresh garlic, sweet onions, and coconut milk. It's so easy to make and it's ready to eat in 30 minutes or less.
When the fall & winter season comes around, this is one of my favorite soups to make. You can double the recipe and store in the fridge for up to 5 days making this soup a great meal prep recipe.
A few tips you'll want to remember when making this soup: You'll want to diced the potatoes into small bite-sized pieces and finely chop the garlic and onions. As with most recipes, you'll want to taste and adjust the seasonings to your personal preferences. You can swap the full fat coconut milk for the lighter version, if desired.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbsp avocado oil or EVOO
  • 1 large sweet potato, diced into small cubes
  • 2 medium russet potatoes, diced into small cubes
  • 1 large sweet onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth low sodium
  • 1 15 ounce can coconut milk full fat
  • 1 cup water
  • 12 ounces sweet peas, frozen
  • 3 Tbsp curry powder I used Great Value Organic Curry Powder
  • 2 Tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt

Rice

  • 1 cup jasmine rice, uncooked
  • 2-1/2 cups vegetable broth

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or deep saute pan, add the avocado oil.
  • Add in the onions, potatoes, garlic and 1 cup vegetable broth. Cover let simmer 5 minutes.
  • Add in coconut milk, water, sweet peas, cumin, curry powder, salt. Mix well. Cover and cook on medium low for about 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Jasmine Rice

  • Rinse rice thoroughly.
  • While curry is cooking. Add vegetable broth in a medium pot. Bring to a boil. Add in jasmine rice. Cover and simmer until all liquid is absorbed.
  • Once rice is cooked. Add into curry mixture. Mix well. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

You can easily substitute the sweet peas for another plant protein like chickpeas, if you’d like. Jasmine rice is a high glycemic carbohydrate, so if you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, you will want to be mindful of this.
It’s important to note that all curry powders are not the same. Curry powder is a complex mix of different spices and no two recipes are the same. 
Keyword vegan
Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad

Julie Pace, RDN
This colorful, quick and easy pasta salad is refreshing and delicious on a hot summer day. The longer it sits in the fridge the tastier it becomes. A healthy, wholesome salad everyone will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
1 day 30 minutes
Total Time 1 day 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian, plant-based, vegan
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces tri color rotini pasta
  • 2 medium seedless cucumbers, diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium red onion, chopped

Homemade Italian Dressing

  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1 Tbsp oregano leaves, dried
  • 1/2 Tbsp parsley leaves, dried
  • 1/2 Tbsp basil leaves, dried
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to directions.
  • While pasta is cooking, chop all the vegetables then add to a medium bowl.
  • When pasta is done boiling, drain and rinse pasta under cold water, then add to bowl with chopped veggies
  • Add the olive oil, vinegar and seasonings to the pasta bowl and toss to combine.
  • Let the pasta salad marinate and chill in the fridge at least 30 minutes or overnight before serving.

Notes

Options to add in: grape tomatoes, banana peppers, or black olives
Keyword pasta salad