Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad January 4th, 2012 0 Comments
My moms old standby for sidedishes is a family favorite at picnics, family gatherings and Sunday dinners..
Cold Pasta Salad…lots of flavor, crunchy veggies and tasty pasta. (tri-color twisty pasta was my fav)
I loved it (and still do), that’s for sure– but I have given it a little make-over…
Below is a yummy recipe I made up for dinner with my family and then again, 2 days later for NYE…lots of raving fans with this recipe!
So here is a new take on an old classic using my ingredients of the month…“Spinach & Artichokes” it takes on a Greek/Mediterranean flavor 
Speaking of flavor… It has lots of rich flavor! Better bring a breath mint… my friend Annie took home a to-go cup of it on NYE and her husband was not so in love with fragrant car ride home — Haaah garlic & onion oh my
Sidenotes: Be sure to watch your portions of the pasta, as whole wheat packs some more calories, but the nutritious fiber fills you up! Feel free to increase the veggie load to make this more salad like and less pasta-ish. My friend at the party had a tree nut allergy and could not partake because of the added pesto (pine nut loaded)–you can always leave that out if you have the same concern.
• 1 package pasta shells, whole wheat
• 1/2 pound fresh baby spinach, chiffonade
• 3 basil leaves, chiffonade
• 1 (15-ounce) can baby artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped
• 2-3 roma tomatoes diced
• 1 roasted red pepper, drained and chopped
• 2 tablespoons diced/chopped black olives
• 1/2 small red onion, chopped
• 1 tsp chopped garlic
• 2-3 tablespoons basil pesto
• ¾-1 cup of light, basil balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
• Oregano to taste
• Black pepper to taste
Combine, pesto, garlic, salad dressing, olives and spices. Stir. Add veggies (spinach, artichoke, red peppers, red onion and tomatoes). Toss. Add in cooled, cooked pasta shells. Toss well. Chill 2 hours. Add more dressing before serving if too dry. If you dig a little cheese, and don’t mind dairy, sprinkle with fat free feta OR Parmesan cheese…even though I think it is yummy with out!
Enjoy!
XoXO
Melissa
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