Recipe

Dress Up Pasta Salad

Ingredients

Bring a large, heavy pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Add the pasta and return to a low boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook pasta according to the package directions, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Donít overcook!
Using oven mitts or pot holders, drain the pasta in a colander set in the sink, pouring away from you. Rinse with cold water until the pasta is cool and allow to drain in the sink for 10 minutes.
Place the pasta in a large mixing bowl.
Toss with the remaining ingredients, stirring well with a large wooden spoon.
If desired, add optional ingredients (below).
Serve at room temperature or cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Optional Accompaniments: Cherry tomatoes Chopped tomatoes Blanched asparagus Other cheeses, such as goat cheese and feta cheese Chopped black olives Chopped sun-dried tomatoes Artichoke hearts Cooked and drained white beans or green peas Red or green bell peppers, chopped, sliced, or roasted Thinly sliced red onion