Take advantage of your local farmer's market to pick the freshest vegetables for salads such as this one. While you are there, look for fresh basil, too.
To make the soup ahead, omit the pasta and refrigerate or freeze the soup. As the soup reheats over medium heat, cook pasta separately according to package directions, then stir it in shortly before serving. Use leaves from celery stalks as a garnish.
You don't have to use powdered mix to make your own falafel! Mashed chickpeas are combined with onion, bread crumbs, egg and herbs, and fried. Serve with the cucumber sauce in a pita with tomatoes.
