Artichoke Pasta Salad

One of the necessities of summer? A quick, simple, "go to" dish that is delicious & packed with flavor but doesn't require drudging over the stove, near the oven or even, gasp, over the grill! Our family, including my toddler, LOVES this. I especially love it because it is oh so fast... & yummy! Plus it is great as a side salad for a bbq, since there's no mayo & you can very easily add fresh mozzarella or steamed veggies or roasted red pepper... even grilled shrimp or sliced grilled chicken to the meal!


We love it like this: 


Lemon Artichoke Pasta

• 1/4 cup extra virgin Olive Oil
• lemon zest/ juice from 2 fresh Lemons (make sure they are not too tart!) 
• 1/4 grated Parmesan Cheese
• Kosher Salt & Pepper
• 1 TBSP each of fresh, chopped Parsley & Basil
• 1 lb. cooked Pasta (*I love farfalle for this & this is the ONLY cooking of the entire recipe!)
• 2 cans of artichoke hearts, I cut them into quarters (you can also used frozen, just thaw & warm in the microwave)

Whisk the olive oil, lemon zest & juice, parmesan, S&P, parsley & basil in the bottom of a large bowl. 
Add the artichokes & lightly toss. When the pasta is cooked, I add it steaming hot & toss all of the ingredients together like it's a salad... The lemon scent wafts from the bowl!!!


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