Cold Pasta Salad

It goes fast!!

Ingredients

• 1 lb corkscrew pasta (or whatever pasta you like for salad)
• 1 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2/3 cup good quality red wine vinegar
• 4 cloves crushed garlic
• 3 teaspoons fresh snipped basil (or 1 tsp dry)
• 3 teaspoons fresh snipped tarragon (or 1 tsp dry)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 small jars marinated artichoke hearts with juice ( I only use Cara Mia brand!!)
• blanched broccoli flowerettes (use you judgement on how many)
• blanched Chinese pea pods ( use your judgement on how many) If they are very long, I cut them in half.
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1 large can sliced black olives, drained (more if you like. (This isn't rocket science)
• 1/2 cup packed freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• You can add any other vegetables you like or some chopped cooked chicken too. We like it just as written.

Directions

Cook the pasta as directed. While pasta is cooking prepare the dressing in a tupperware bowl so it can be shaken. (the oil, vinegar, garlic, basil, tarragon, Dijon mustard and pepper) Add some cold water to the pasta and then drain well. In a large bowl add pasta and while still hot, shake dressing well and pour over pasta. Toss. Add remaining ingredients and toss well. Taste to correct seasoning. May be served now (my favorite) or chilled thoroughly.

Submitted 6/13/05.
Source: my files
Submitted By: Dale Studebaker
goninergal@yahoo.com
Cold Pasta Salad