Made this for our neighborhood Fourth of July gathering in our cul-de-sac. We are so fortunate to have great neighbors who are more like friends and family than simply people living in close proximity! This is an easy pasta salad with a mediterranean twist, perfect for sharing and feeding a small crowd! Enjoy!!

Ingredients: Feeds 8-10

• 1 lb rotini pasta
• 1, 15oz can artichokes hearts, drained and quartered
• 1 small cucumber chopped
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
• 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
• 8 oz mozzarella pearls (or feta, cubed)
• 6 tbsp prepared pesto
• 1/4 cup olive oil (plus additional if needed)
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain/rinse with cold water and set aside to partially cool.
2. Meanwhile in a medium bowl, combine the artichokes, cucumber, tomatoes, olives and mozzarella.
3. Once pasta has cooled some, toss it in a large bowl with the prepared pesto, olive oil and vinegar to coat. Gently fold in the artichoke mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and let chill at least 30 minutes. Toss before serving and season with additional salt/pepper/oil if needed.

*Adapted from Pioneer Woman Magazine