Thai Chile and Artichoke Pasta Salad

Thai Chile and Artichoke Pasta Salad
This unusual combination of ingredients makes a salad that is hearty 
enough to be served as an entree as well as a side dish. I always 
prepare this salad a day before I plan to serve it to ensure the flavors 
are combined. A word of caution though, the salad seems to increase in 
heat the longer it sits. So make the dressing a little on the mild side 
or the salad may become too hot to enjoy.
1 6 1/2 ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and liquid reserved
2 to 3 Thai chiles, stems removed, or substitute serrano chiles
2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh preferred
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper
4 cups cooked rotini pasta
2 cups thinly sliced fresh spinach
1/2 cup sliced Kalmata olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley
To make the dressing, put two of the artichoke hearts, reserved liquid, 
chiles, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of 
water in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
Coarsely chop the remaining artichoke hearts and place in a large mixing 
bowl. Add the pasta, spinach, olives and feta cheese. Pour the dressing 
over the salad and gently toss to combine. Cover and chill over night.
Garnish with the parsley before serving.
Yields: 4 to 6 servings
Heat Scale: Hot
Source : Sea Girl from July of 2006
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* Catsrecipes Y-Group
Category:Cathy's Recipes