Islands wrote:
> I have to attend an event that requires me to bring a meatless dish
> for 5 people. I'd like to make a pasta salad but have never made one
> (yeah, yeah, so I'm not the world's best cook) Does anyone have a
> tasty recipe?? Thanks so much!!
>
Here's one I tinkered to perfection, IMO. I practically lived
on it one year!

Shell and Black Bean Salad

This is best made a day before you plan to serve it.

Balsamic Dressing:
6 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 medium cloves, garlic, minced (not pressed)
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt

2 c uncooked small shell pasta
14-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 large red or yellow bell pepper, diced
12 kalamata olives, pitted and finely chopped
2 Tbsp small capers
2 Tbsp chopped parsley
lots of freshly ground black pepper

Dressing: Combine all ingredients, preferably ca half an hour
ere using to let flavors meld.
Cook pasta til al dente. Pour into colander in sink, run
cold water over it, and drain well. Put pasta in a large
bowl; add half of the dressing and mix well. Let stand while
you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Add black beans, bell pepper, olives, capers, and parsley.
Grind a lot of black pepper over top. Stir well. Add
remaining dressing; stir well. Refrigerate til serving
time—preferably the next day.


--
Jean B.