easy italian pasta salad..

we went to the lake last weekend and tina brought italian pasta salad.. she offered some to the kids and big kid pete..good lawdy you would have thought they had never had anything good  tasting before.. ha ha they kept going on how great it was.. it was a big hit with my family.. which doesn't surprise me most things tina makes my family loves.. for father's day shell asked if i would make it.. tina was out of town with family and not wanting to bother her i asked shell what was in it.. so this is my best "guess" as to what was in it.. i think i did a pretty good job.. well at least shell liked it and she was the one who asked for it.. :)

easy italian pasta salad

prep time: 10 minutes
cooking time: 12 minutes
servings: 4-6

ingredients:

1 package (16 oz) colored rotini pasta
1/4 pound genoa salami, cut into strips (tina's where in chunks)
1/4 pound pepperoni, cut into strips
7 oz. can sliced/chopped black olives
1 purple onions, diced small (i forgot this part)
1/4 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1/4 cup cubed pepper jack cheese
1 jar, drained, artichoke hearts
2 tsp.garlic powder
salt and pepper
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
(or instead of the oil and vinegar just a store bought italian dressing will do)

cook pasta according to package directions.. while pasta cooks, dice, cube and chunk everything.. when pasta is done drain and rinse with cold running water until cool.. in a large mixing bowl combine pasta and all other ingredients and mix well.. cover and chill for about at least 2 hours before serving.. (over night is best)