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Helane's (aka Mom's) Pasta Salad

My mom practically begs me to make this salad for her. She may randomly call and say," If i buy all of the ingredients, will you make this for me?" My response - "Always and with pleasure."

I started making this pasta about 10 years ago. I found the recipe in "Vegetarian Times" magazine. I've since lost the copy of the magazine but the basics are etched in memory:

One bag spiral pasta (12-16oz)

6 tomatoes cut into skinny wedges and seeds removed
2 cloves garlic
12 basil leaves cut into slivers
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
1/2 Can of cannellini or great northern beans drained

3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp of olive brine (this is the juice from the olives)
salt and pepper to taste

Follow cooking directions for the pasta. While pasta is cooking start cutting up the tomatoes. I cut them in half and scoop out the seeds. Cut small wedges from the halves and add to large bowl. You'll need a big bowl because after the pasta is done you'll be adding all of the other ingredients. Chop the basil into strips. Take the leaves and stack several up on top of each other. Roll the stack of leaves like you're rolling up a burrito. Now cut the leaves. This will create small slivers. Add basil to bowl. Mince the garlic and slice olives and add to other ingredients in bowl. Finally, add beans, olive oil, vinegar, and brine. This can marinate while the pasta finishes. Drain the pasta and rinse to cool a bit. Now add the pasta and stir. Salt and pepper to taste.