Sun Dried Tomato & Mozzarella Pasta Salad

Warmer weather is (finally!!!) here so that means it's time for cookouts and spending time in the great outdoors soaking up some vitamin D.  This is a great, quick, different pasta salad to enjoy this summer.  I made it for the first time at Easter and have just been looking for reasons to make it again.  Jason is in an annual Memorial Day golf outing today and there's always a cookout afterwards.  Perfect reason to whip this up.  Now hopefully I don't finish it off before it's time to leave.....

Sun Dried Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

1 box rotini pasta

8 oz fresh mozzarella

1 small package (about 3.5oz) sun dried tomatoes

1 large handful arugula (about 3-4 oz)

Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Vinaigrette*

Directions:

1.  Cook pasta according to directions.  Drain and rinse with cool water.  

2.  While pasta is cooking, cut mozzarella and tomatoes (reserve two tomatoes for the vinaigrette) into bite sized pieces.

3.  In a large bowl combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella and arugula.  Drizzle the dressing over and toss to combine.  Refrigerate, serve or leave out at room temperature.  Enjoy!

*Because the pasta will absorb a lot of the dressing, you may want to double the vinaigrette recipe.

Sun Dried Tomato Basil Vinaigrette

This was the first salad dressing I have ever made. I created my Sun Dried Tomato & Mozzarella Pasta Salad for Easter this year and needed a light dressing to go on it. This was perfect and the pasta salad was so good. Since I made this I've been experimenting with all kinds of different vinaigrette combinations.

Sun Dried Tomato Basil Vinaigrette

Ingredients:
2 sundried tomatoes, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
Pinch of kosher salt
1 tbsp basil, chopped
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Black pepper

Directions:
1. Sprinkle the minced garlic with kosher salt. With the back of your knife, work the garlic and salt into a paste. 

2. Combine all ingredients into a small mason jar and shake well. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to shake well before serving. Enjoy!!

Garden is planted!!

Nothing like homegrown, organic veggies!  Can't wait!