Ingredients

  • 2 fresh lemons
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons chopped chives
  • 1/2 packed cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 1/4 cups extra-virgin olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 (16-ounce) can dark red kidney beans
  • 1 (16-ounce) can chick peas (garbanzo beans)
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths, and steamed until just tender and allowed to cool
  • 1 (16-ounce) can artichoke hearts, quartered
  • 1 (16-ounce) can pitted black olives, drained
  • 1 pound tri-color rotini pasta, boiled until al dente and allowed to cool
  • 1 pound bay scallops, steamed until opaque and allowed to cool
  • 3 (6-ounce) cans rock shrimp, drained
  • 3 (6-ounce) cans albacore tuna, drained and separated into chunks
  • 1 (8-ounce) bag fresh frozen peas, blanched, drained and cooled
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 12 basil sprigs, for garnish
  • Shaved Parmesan, for garnish

Method

  • Prepare the vinaigrette, just before use.
  • Place the lemons in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave until the essential oils in the skin are released.
  • Since these will be hot coming from the microwave, you will need to set them aside briefly, until they cool just enough to handle.
  • Pour vinegar into a blender, turn it on, and then squeeze in 1emon juice from the micro-waved lemons.
  • Leaving the blender running, add 1 at a time through the feed opening: garlic, mustard, chives, basil, Parmesan, and pepper and blend until smooth.
  • While keeping the blender running, add oil through the feed opening in a slow stream.
  • Set aside until needed.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine kidney beans, chick peas, green beans, artichoke hearts, and black olives.
  • Dress with enough vinaigrette to coat well, then gently fold in pasta, scallops, shrimp, tuna, peas, and grape tomatoes.
  • Taste and adjust dressing as needed.
  • Do not feel compelled to use all of the dressing.
  • You want enough to complement the ingredients of the salad without overcoming their flavors.
  • (You can always serve dressing on the side, or add more to the salad if you wish.
  • The pasta will absorb some of the vinaigrette.)
  • Transfer to serving bowls or serve family style.
  • Garnish with basil sprigs and shaved Parmesan.