Tasty Tuesday--Tomato-Basil-Asparagus Pasta Salad

Nice light recipe for summer. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a full meal.

I think I got the recipe from Southern Living, but it was a long time ago so I'm not sure. The only change I made was making my own lemon vinaigrette rather than using store bought dressing.


Tomato-Basil-Asparagus Pasta Salad

1 package bowtie pasta

1 lb. asparagus, cut into 2 in. pieces

lemon vinaigrette (recipe follows)

1 (1 oz.) package fresh basil, chopped (about 1 cup)

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions, adding asparagus during the last 2 minutes of cooking time. Drain and rinse with cool water. Stir together the lemon vinaigrette and basil and pour over the pasta and asparagus. Stir in tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Toss pasta salad before serving. 

I served it sprinkled with feta cheese!

Lemon Vinaigrette

The measurements may not be completely accurate, so just taste as you go.

About 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

juice of 1 1/2 lemons

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp. salt

cracked black pepper