pasta salad recipe

So this is one of the yummy salads I promised to share. My friend Karolyn made this & I think I had seconds AND thirds.

SUPREME PIZZA PASTA SALAD

[ s a l a d ]
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 medium red onion, chopped
8 fresh white button mushrooms, sliced
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 stick pepperoni, cut into small slices
1 lb. fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
20 leaves fresh basil, thinly sliced
1 lb. wagon wheel pasta*, cooked and cooled then drained.

* Any kind of pasta will work. Farfalle (bowtie) pasta is shown here.

[ d r e s s i n g ]
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. dried oregano leaves
1 rounded Tbsp. tomato paste
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/3 c extra-virgin olive oil
freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Combine tomatoes, onion, mushroom, peper, pepperoni, cheese, basil, and pasta in big bowl. In a small bowl, whisk garlic salt, oregano, tomato paste, and vinegar together. Stream in olive oil while continuing to whisk. When oil is incorporated, pour dressing over pasta salad, add a few grinds of black pepper, then toss to coat evenly. Adjust your seasonings and serve.

Have a terrific weekend! I'll be sharing a couple of fun projects with you in the coming week, before I head to CHA.