Aegean artichoke & penne pasta salad

1 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
6Fresh baby artichokes
¼cupLemon juice
½poundsPenne pasta
½cupTomato juice
2tablespoonsOlive oil
2Cl Garlic ; minced
3tablespoonsFresh parsley
3tablespoonsFresh basil ; or 1 tsp. drie
½teaspoonSalt
¼teaspoonBlack pepper
½cupFresh tomato ; chopped
½cupOlives ; kalamata
2tablespoonsCapers
½cupFeta cheese ; optional

Directions

Recipe by: dartji@... (Jim Dart !!!) 1. Cut stems off artichokes. Peel off tough outer leaves to reveal yellow-green hearts. Cut artichokes into quarters. Combine ¼ cup lemon juice with 2 cups water in a medium bowl. Add artichokes to lemon water and toss to prevent discoloration. Drain. Steam artichokes until tender, about 20 minutes. chill.

2. In a large pot, bring 2 quarts water to a rapid boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt and penne. Cook penne until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.

3. To make salad dressing: combine tomato juice, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, basil, salt and pepper in a food processor or blender and puree for 30 seconds.

4. Toss together artichokes, penne, capers, olives and feta cheese in a large bowl salad bowl. Pour dressing over and toss well.