Pasta Salad with Asparagus

A pasta salad is a great addition to any barbeque menu. The good thing about pasta salads is that they can be as varied as you have imagination.

You can vary the pasta, the co-ingredients, the spices, just about any part of the salad. This is one that we like and recommend for your next barbeque.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups of bow tie or spiral pasta
• 1 each green, red, and orange bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups fresh basil
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 1 cup Extra Virgin Olive oil
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• fresh cracked pepper to taste
• salt to taste
• 1/4 chopped onions
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• zest of half a lemon
• juice of one lemon
• 1/2 cup cooked sliced asparagus

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to box instructions.
2. While pasta is cooking prepare the dressing.
3. In a blender add the basil, garlic, pine nuts, cheese, oregano and olive oil.
4. Once this is blended add lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.
5. If this mixture is too thick add a little water; a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired thickness.
6. Drain the pasta.
7. While still warm add the lemon zest, bell peppers,asparagus and onions.
8. Then add the basil olive oil mixture to the pasta.
9. Mix well then refrigerate.
10. Serve chilled.
11. You can add chopped green olives if so desired.