Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Easy Summer Pasta Salad

LOVE this new summer pasta salad!  I found the recipe and Two Peas & Their Pod.  Please visit their fun family blog!

Like I mentioned in an earlier summer post, we have been making a lot of different salads.  They have been great for my family to eat when they are passing through or when we gather to eat together.  This one was really easy and really good.  I typically think a salad is better if the dressing is homemade.  I used Newman's Own Lite Balsamic Dressing for this salad.... and we loved it!



Easy Summer Pasta Salad  (adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod)

16 oz dry pasta ( I used Farfalle/bowtie)
1 small yellow, red and orange bell pepper, seeds removed and diced
1 large cucumber, seeded and diced
1  12 oz. jar of artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped
1 pint of grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
1 cup balsamic dressing, or more if needed ( I used Newman's Own Lite Balsamic)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh basil
salt and pepper to taste
sprinkling or more of shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook the pasta according to "al dente" directions, Drain.  Toss with a little olive oil to keep from sticking.  In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta and the chopped vegetables.  Add feta, basil, Parmesan and gently stir to combine.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Chill until ready to serve.

*This was very yummy the next few days.  Add a little more dressing to liven it up if needed
**You can always add grilled chicken or another favorite meat

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