Monday, July 28, 2008

Pasta Salad

Great for lunch in the Spring and Summer, or add a roast chicken and it makes a dinner!

penne or tricolor rotini pasta

fresh corn

tomatoes (roma or halved grape tomatoes)

cucumbers

onions (green or red)

olives

peppers (red, green, yellow or orange)

cheese (feta, goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, or grated parmesan)

dressing:

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar or rice vinegar

splash of balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

2 large garlic cloves, minced

salt and pepper to taste

Boil the pasta until cooked barely al-dente and still firm (it will soften as it sits in the dressing). When finished, rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Drain.

Whisk the dressing ingredients in a large bowl to blend. Chop the vegetables and add them to the dressing. Add the cheese and cooled pasta, mix, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to combine the flavors.

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