Garden Pasta Salad with Basil Dressing

Pasta, Side Dishes

Ingredients

1/2 lb. penne pasta

3/4 cup chopped green beans

2 cups thinly sliced zucchini

half sweet red pepper cut in thin strips

1 large tomato chopped

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

1/4 cup black olives (Kalamata)

2 tablespoons minced basil or 1/2 tsp dried

salt and pepper

Dressing:

3 tablespoons wine vinegar or cider vinegar

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil ( or 1/2 tsp

dried)

2 tablespoons veg. oil

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon minced garlic

Pinch hot pepper flakes

Directions

In large pot of boiling water, cook pasta for 4 min.; add green beans and cook for for 3 to 5 min. or until pasta is tender but firm. Drain and rinse in cold water. Drain; place in large salad bowl. Add zucchini, carrots, red pepper, tomato, green onions, olives and basil.

Dressing: In small bowl, whisk together vinegar, basil, oil, water, mustard, garlic and hot pepper flakes; toss with salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Makes ten servings, about 1 cup each.

Nutrition

Per serving; 135 calories, 4 g protein, 4 g fat, 22 g carbohydrate.