Summer Pasta Salad

On hot summer evenings, the last thing you want to do is cook. What makes this recipe ideal for those balmy summer nights is that the only thing you have to cook is the pasta. 

With the addition of some fresh vegetables and a few staples from your pantry, you will have a fresh, delicious meal in no time!

Ingredients

• 1 box rotini pasta (or small pasta shape of your choice)
• 2-3 medium tomatoes, wedged or cubed
• 1 small cucumber, cubed
• ½ red onion, sliced
• ½ of a red pepper, chopped
• ½ cup black olives
• ½ cup of green olives
• 1 jar of artichoke hearts, chopped
• Dressing - 1 bottle of Italian dressing (or ½ cup of olive mixed with 4 tablespoons of red wine vinegar)
• Handful of fresh herbs, chopped – basil, parsley or oregano (your choice)
• ¼ cup of crumbled Feta cheese (optional)

Directions

• Cook pasta according to package directions (al dente is best)
• Drain pasta and rinse under cold water
• Pour the cooled pasta into a large bowl
• Add the rest of the ingredients and mix
• Add the dressing and herbs and mix again
• Serve with crumbled feta cheese on top (if desired)

In addition to a light main meal, this salad works well as a great side dish at any summer barbecue.