Here’s a great recipe perfect for a holiday party or for your Christmas dinner! It’s made with healthy vegetables and has a wonderful Italian flavor. I used gluten free quinoa pata to make it extra healthy 🙂 Although completely optional, totally yummy with shrimp or bacon.

1-8 oz. package of pasta
1/4 c. red onion, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1/2 of a medium green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 of a medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 – 2 oz. can of sliced black olives
3/4 – 1 c. Italian dressing (favorite purchased or recipe below)
1 -2 tomatos, seeded and chopped
1 pound of boiled shrimp, fresh or frozen (optional)
Parmesan cheese, to garnish
Bacon, cooked and chopped, to garnish (optional)

Dressing
3/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
1-2 Tbsp. red wine or apple cider vinegar
Pinch of Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Boil the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain, rinse well and set aside. In a medium size bowl, mix vegetables, except for the tomatoes and garnishes. Blend in the Italian dressing and mix all together well. Cover and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.

Just before serving, add the chopped tomato, toss and then sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon.