Must Have Kitchen Gadgets: Part 3

I love my food chopper.  It's a quick and easy way to chop small to medium amounts of food without getting out the food processor.  I probably use this more than any other gadget.  It's great for nuts, onions, crackers, and as shown here, artichoke hearts.  Here is a great pasta salad recipe I hope you'll try.  If you make it the day before, it will be more flavorful.  Just wait to add the fresh tomatoes and cheese until you're ready to serve it.

Antipasto Salad

1/2 cup coarsely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
2 small shallots, quartered
2 cloves garlic, halved
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil or one teaspoon dried basil
1/2 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chopped button mushrooms
1/2 cup coarsely chopped black olives (optional)
1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts
12 ounces penne, cooked al dente
1 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups seeded, chopped tomatoes
1 cup diced fresh mozzarella

Puree the sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, garlic, vinegar, thyme, and basil in a food processor.  With the blades running, slowly add the oil and process until smooth.  Add salt and pepper.  Pour the dressing into a medium bowl, add the mushrooms, olives, and artichoke hearts, and stir to coat.  Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes.  Add pasta, chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella and toss to evenly mix.  Serves 6 to 8