Summer Veggie Pasta Salad

I was looking for something light to serve with a weekend of food events (M smoked a brisket; salmon and pork shoulder for a house full of guests!).  The appealing part of this recipe was the make-it-yourself dressing.  It is really easy and delicious!!  I found the recipe here and made some adjustments based on personal tastes in terms of the veggies & adding cheese but the dressing was followed exactly.  I doubled the dressing and only put a little on when I made it.  I added a little more each time we served it which worked well to not have it be too much at one time.

Ingredients
12 oz bow tie pasta
1 package cherry tomatoes
2 medium zucchini
1 medium broccoli crown
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
1 yellow pepper
1 medium ball mozzerella cheese

Dressing
1/4 c vegetable oil
1/4 c olive oil
1/3 c red wine vinegar
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt / Pepper

Directions
Cook pasta according to package instructions.  When it's done, drain. 
Cut up and prepare veggies.  I ended up grilling my zucchini (marinated in a little EVOO and salt/ pepper).  All other veggies I just washed & cut up.
Cut mozzerella into bite size pieces
While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vinaigrette
Combine the pasta; veggies & cheese in a large bowl.  Drizzle with the vinaigrette.  Refrigerate until you're ready to serve. 

Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Asparagus, Cherry Tomatoes and Olives

I was looking for a pasta salad to serve at the river with dinner.  I found the recipe here and thought the sound of pesto was perfect!  The original recipe called for green beans and kalamata olives.  I omitted the beans because when I went to the store, they just didn't look very crisp.  I subbed regular sliced black olives for the kalamata.  The cherry tomatoes were a late add (even though the recipe called for them).  I don't like tomatoes but the dish definitely needed a little more color.  I didn't roast the tomatoes (as the original recipe called for) but I think it turned out really nice.

Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Asparagus, Cherry Tomatoes and OlivesServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb mini ravioli or tortellini (I used 3 cheese spinach ravioli)
• 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp tuscany seasoning (or other Italian blend)
• 8 oz black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (I used fresh grated)
• salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 450. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli according to package directions.
2. While the water is coming to a boil, toss the asparagus with the olive oil, tuscany seasoning, salt and black pepper. Spread out onto one or two parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender and starting to brown/shrivel.
3. Toss the pasta with the veggies, olives, pesto, and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.