Recipe: Lite and Simple Pasta Salad

This is my go to recipe when I need something fast and easy. It is especially great when you need something for the next day because you can serve it cold. Tastes great warm, too, though.

Ingredients:

Tri color rotini pasta
Slices black olives
Minced garlic
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Black pepper

Options: diced tomato, feta cheese or parmesan cheese OR if  you really want to do an easy meal reaplace the garlic, olive oil and lemon juice with a light Italian dressing

You will notice I did not add amounts to my ingredients. That is because it is all really dependent upon taste and can be adjusted easily to the amount of pasta you need. I usually make a full box of the pasta when I cook this and take leftovers as a lunch to work. The beauty of this is that if you don't have the money for adding the extra ingredients or just can't get to the store, it is just as delicious in it's most simple form.

• Boil the pasta, strain and run under cold water. 
• Add enough olive oil to lightly coat the pasta and toss it together. 
• Add lemon juice to taste. Do not add enough to create a liquid pool in the bowl, just enough to cover the pasta. Usually this is about 2 teaspoons. If you do not love lemon taste just add a bit. 
• Add the garlic, also to taste. I add about a tablespoon. If you are a garlic lover, go crazy. 
• Drain the can of olives (I get the already sliced ones in a small can) and add them. 
• Pepper to taste, don't overdo it. 
• Also feel free to add other ingredients if you choose. 
• Toss it all again. If you are using a large Tupperware bowl put the lid on and shake. 

Voila!!!