Pasta Salad with Roasted Red Peppers and Green Olives

Pasta salad is really one dish that loves creativity. I like using whatever I have in the fridge and if I don’t have it in the fridge I search in the pantry. I always keep canned beans in the pantry and adding them to pasta salad is one way to add protein and fiber. I also keep roasted bell peppers and olives on hand. They go well in pasta and salad. Today I didn’t have a lot of fresh veggies on hand so I made due with frozen peas and corn. I went out to my herb garden and clipped lots of fresh herbs – but if you don’t have a fresh herb garden use dried herbs just remember to cut back by half. Half the fun of cooking is getting creative. Have some fun and get your serving of veggies too. Happy and healthy eating!
Bon Appetit, Cecelia

Pasta Salad with Roasted Red Peppers & Green Olives

Ingredients:
16 ounces penne, cooked and drained
1 roasted red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup frozen sweet petite peas
1 cup frozen sweet corn
1 cup sliced green olives
1 cup garbanzo beans, rinsed and towel dried
Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Dressing:
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
Fresh ground pepper to taste

Cook Pasta according to package directions, less one minute for aldente. Mix with dressing until all pasta is completely covered. Add roasted bell pepper, peas, corn, green olives, garbanzo bean, parmesan, and fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for two hours before serving.

TIP: If using dried herbs in pasta – reduce to one teaspoon each of basil, oregano, parsley and chives. Black olives can be used instead of green olives. I encourage you to be creative – pasta salad is one dish you can add nearly any vegetable you like. Have fun with it!