Italian Macaroni Salad

Ingredients:

1 lb. elbow macaroni
6 oz. can large black olives, sliced (I prefer to slice them myself)
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
12 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
14 oz. fresh basil
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 large or 4 small cloves garlic, minced

Directions:

Rinse basil in water and chop with a knife (I prefer to use kitchen scissors). Place in small bowl and add minced garlic and olive oil and mix well. Set aside.
Boil macaroni until soft and drain. Place in a extra large bowl and drizzle with olive oil so the noodles won’t stick together.
Add olives, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and basil mix to the macaroni and mix together.
Dressing Ingredients:
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
2/3 cup olive oil
6 tablespoons water
Directions:
Mix the dried ingredients in a small bowl or in a medium jar. Add vinegar, olive oil and water and either whisk or shake. Pour over salad and mix well. Refrigerate for several hours to overnight. Enjoy! Serves 12.