You will want to keep this salad handy for all of those summer get togethers with friends and family. It's full of delicious, healthy ingredients like tomatoes, artichokes and basil with pasta and your choice of cheese. It can be made in advance to save t
6 oz. small pasta, like penne
3 c. grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
14 oz. can whole artichoke hearts (plain, not marinated), about 8 hearts drained and quartered
12 large basil leaves, thinly sliced
3 T. red wine vinegar
2 T. olive oil
3/4 t. kosher salt
1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper
feta, mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar or pepper jack cheese to sprinkle on top
Cook pasta according to package directions, about 14 minutes; drain and rinse immediately with cold water, until pasta is cool.
Combine remaining ingredients, except for the feta cheese, in a large mixing bowl. Toss well to coat thoroughly.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Sprinkle with the cheese of choice right before serving.
6-7 servings.
The salad will keep covered in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.