Spring Pasta Salad

Capture the flavors of spring with this simple recipe. It's an easy addition to spring or summer meals or becomes the star when you add grilled chicken, sausage or extra ham.

Ingredients

• 1/3 c. safflower oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 3 c. spiral or penne pasta, cooked and drained
• 1 can (20 oz.) chick-peas, drained and rinsed (or 2 c. dried chick-peas, cooked)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or cubed tomatoes)
• 4 oz. Heini's original yogurt cheese, cut in thin strips
• 4 oz. extra-lean ham, cut in thin strips
• 1/2 c. pitted ripe olives

Cooking Instructions

In a large salad bowl, thoroughly mix the oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano and basil. Add the remaining ingredients and toss to combine.

Cover and chill several hours or overnight. Toss; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, if possible. Serves 4-6.