A cold pasta dish is a great make-ahead component of a meal for company. Aside from being easy on the cook, cold pasta dishes are always crowd-pleasers.

Cold Noodles with Artichoke Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

10 to 12 ounces flavored linguine
1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, with liquid
6-ounce jar marinated artichokes, with liquid
1/4 cup rehydrated or oil-cured sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup parsley leaves
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
2 medium firm, ripe tomatoes, diced
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or
White balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook at a rapid simmer until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the linguine and rinse under cold water until cool.
2. In the meantime, combine the red peppers and artichokes, their liquids, the sun-dried tomatoes, and parsley in a food processor. Pulse on an off until the mixture is coarsely and evenly chopped.
3. In a serving bowl, combine the red pepper and artichoke mixture with the linguine in a serving container and toss. Add the carrots, tomatoes, and vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper and toss again.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of Nava Atlas; www.vegkitchen.com.