Carole's pasta salad with basil vinaigrette

4 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Basil Vinaigrette
4largesGarlic cloves
2tablespoonsDried basil
teaspoonSugar
1tablespoonDry mustard
3tablespoonsFresh lemon juice
6tablespoonsRed wine vinegar
2teaspoonsKosher salt
1teaspoonFreshly ground black pepper
cupOlive oil ----------------------
2Zucchinis, halved lengthwise
(cut into 1/2-in. pieces)
6ouncesDried fusilli (curly noodles
3Cooked chicken breast 1/2s
(skinned, boned,1/2-in cubes
2mediumsTomatoes, diced
3Green onions, chopped
12Black Greek olives
¼cupToasted pine nuts
½cupGrated fresh parm cheese

Directions

Mince garlic in a food processor. Add 1 1/2T basil, sugar, mustard, lemon juice, 2t salt and 1t pepper. Process 10 seconds. With the machine running, drizzle in oil until slightly thickened. The vegetables and chicken will dilute the intense flavor of the dressing. Makes 1 3/4c.

Steam zucchini 1 minute and drain. Cool under running water. Cook pasta al dente, cool under running water, drain and dry.

In separate bowls, toss chicken, zucchini, pasta and tomatoes with ¼ cup dressing each. Gently combine chicken, zucchini, pasta and green onions.

Adjust seasonings and dressings to taste. Spoon salad onto a platter.

Sprinkle tomatoes, olives and pine nuts on top. Pass cheese separately.

Posted to MM-Recipes Digest V4 #165 by Carole <caroleru@...> on Jun 27, 97