Italian Pasta Salad

This is a quick delicious salad you can make ahead of time.  Perfect for picnics, tailgating and kids sporting events. I love this pasta salad with a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Cheers!

1 lb. rotini pasta or any short pasta
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves of chopped garlic
3/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
5 oz. cherry tomatoes cut in half
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. salt

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.

Saute chopped garlic over low heat for 2 minutes in the extra virgin olive oil.  Don't let the garlic brown or burn. 

Pour oil and garlic over pasta and toss.

Add chopped basil, cherry tomatoes and salt to the pasta and combine.

Add Parmesan cheese and gently mix the pasta.

The salad can be made the night before.  Cover once the pasta has completely cooled off and is at room temperature.  Place in the refrigerator.  Serve room temperature and with extra Parmesan cheese.


 


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