Pasta Salad with
Chickpeas, Artichoke Hearts and Olives

The ingredients for this delectable salad can be easily doubled to make it party-sized.

Recipe Ingredients:

8 ounces fusilli, rotini, or other short pasta shape
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 (6-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, chopped, with liquid
1/2 cup chopped and pitted black olives, preferably cured
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into short, narrow strips
1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, or more to taste
2 tablespoons white balsamic or white wine vinegar, or more to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions:

1. Cook the pasta in plenty of rapidly simmering water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water, then drain well again.
2. Meanwhile, combine the chickpeas, artichoke hearts and liquid, olives, red pepper, carrot, and parsley in a large serving bowl. Add the pasta and toss together. Add the oil and vinegar, then season to taste with salt and pepper, and toss again. Cover and refrigerate until needed, or serve at once.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of Nava Atlas; www.vegkitchen.com.