Mediterranean Style Rice Salad with a Cheesy Dressing

Dressing:

1. Soak the chickpeas overnight or for an hour in hot water then cook until soft. Preserve 1 cup of the cooking water.

2. Blend chickpeas with 1 tbsp of olive oil and 3-4 tbsp. of the preserved water and a ½ tsp Marmite until a smooth paste is formed. Check the consistency and thin out if needed using cooking water (or vegetable broth).

Salad:

1. Cook the rice according to packaging instructions.

2. Thoroughly mix all the veggies, cooked rice and dressing in a bowl.

3. Serve with fresh herbs and a generous dolloping of dressing on top. Enjoy!