Cold Italian Pasta Salad

Cold Italian Pasta Salad

Dressing

1 bunch fresh basil, stemmed and leaves chopped (about 2 cups)

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 cloves garlic

2 teaspoons Whole Grain Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Pasta

1 pound wheat pasta: cooked until tender

1/2 cup salami, cut into strips

1/4 cup mozzarella cheese cut cubes

2 handfuls green olives chopped

1 can quartered artichoke hearts

1 small can water chestnuts chopped

½ red onion sliced

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Vinaigrette: In a blender, add the basil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper. Blend until the herbs are finely chopped. With the machine running, drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth.

Salad

Add cooked pasta with other ingredients and toss with Basil Mustard Dressing. Place in refrigerator for at least one hour.

The dressing is sooooooo good... I have a jar in my refrigerator at all times. You will love it. Try it, Try it!