Pine Nut Pasta Salad

This is a recipe I got from a friend of my mother's. It is a very light and tasty variation on standard pasta salad. The pine nuts add a rich hearty flavor. The recipe is very versatile; you can add more veggies or remove them and it would still be delicious. This is the variation I like best.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 ounces  unroasted pine nuts (can get at most grocery stores or organic markets)
• 1 (8 ounce) bag small shell pasta
• 1 (14 ounce) can water-packed artichoke hearts
• 1 (2 1/4ounce) can  sliced black olives
• 20  grape tomatoes, halved
• 3  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
•  salt
•  pepper

Directions

1. Cook the pasta shells until done to desired firmness.
2. Drain pasta, running under cold water until pasta is cool.
3. Slice 4 or 5 artichoke hearts into small pieces.
4. Slice the grape tomatoes in halves (or smaller if desired).
5. Add pasta, olives (drained), artichoke hearts, and tomatoes into a large bowl.
6. Slowly mix in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix thoroughly.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Refrigerate for about 2 hours until cold.
9. Serve!