Mediterranean Pasta Salad and More

This was one of the salads that we served at Cherise's Bridal shower along with others. This salad is so versatile because you can add any veggies you might have, change up the pasta, add protein or not to be vegetarian, and vary the dressings. Also, because the dressing has no mayo, you don't have to worry about serving the salad at an outdoor BBQ. with all of the hot weather that we're having, this a perfect dinner salad. The The salad can even be made the night before, so all of the flavors can meld, so good.

For this particular salad, it has tri-color rotini, kalamata olives, red and yellow peppers, artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, fresh basil, green onions, and we added cooked shrimp.  You can also top with feta cheese, which I did not. The dressing was a Greek Vinaigrette with red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, a little balsamic vinegar, as well. We also served Lemon Strawberry Bread 

and Cherise's Banana Bread

Mediterranean Pasta Salad
1 1 lb box of your favorite pasta I used Tri-color rotini
1 red bell pepper cut in 1 inch slices
1 yellow bell pepper,cut in 1 inch slices
1 pint grape tomatoes, sliced in half, or any type of fresh tomatoes
1 can of artichoke hearts
1 12 oz jar Kalamata olives, drained
1 cup chopped green or red onion
5 oz. crumbled Feta cheese, optional
1/2 c fresh basil, chopped or chiffonade
1/2 c, red wine vinegar
1/2 c extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp  garlic powder
1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
1tsp of sugar to taste



1. Cook pasta to al dente, according to package directions  Do not overcook.  Rinse with   cold water and drain
2. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, oregano, garlic powder. sugar in a large bowl.
3. Add cooked  pasta, red and yellow peppers, tomatoes, olives, tomatoes artichoke hearts, onions, and chopped basil.
4. Toss until well coated.  cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Sprinkle Feta cheese on top of salad before serving  Enjoy

And here is more.  Recently I received this gracious award from Elisabeth's Food and Thrift Finds.  I have been remiss in thanking her for this wonderful award. Thank you for thinking of me and sorry this recognition is belated. i appreciate the award so much!

And not but not least, I won this amazing cookbook by Joy Bauer of healthy recipes from Claudia @Blogs Got Heart and What's Cookin" Italian Style Cuisine.  Thank you , Claudia!