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04-09 Quick & Fresh Pasta Salad

Cook then cool:
1 1b bowtie or shells pasta of whatever grain
Or use leftover pasta

In small mixing bowl, combine for dressing:
4 T canola oil
juice of 1 lemon or 2 T lemon juice
1 T rice vinegar
1 T white wine vinegar
1 t fresh garlic, minced
1 t salt
Mix well and set aside.
(OR use bottled Italian or Tuscan dressing)

Combine any combination of most of the following ingredients in large bowl:
6-8 oz fresh baby spinach, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1/2 lb cherry tomatoes, sliced in half OR other tomatoes, cubed
1/2 colored bell pepper, cubed
1 cucumber, cubed
4 oz black olives, sliced
1/2 c mozzarella, cubed or Feta, crumbled
1/2-1 c cooked chicken or ham or pepperoni or Canadian bacon, etc. cubed
2 T capers
1/4- 1/2 c artichoke hearts, chopped
Add pasta and pour dressing on top and gently mix.
Consider adding to taste
Italian herbs like fresh basil or Italian Seasoning
Sprinkle with 1/2 c fresh grated Parmesan or Asiago.
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