Recipe: The Perfect Pasta Salad

Photo by Janelle Rigler

The heat is here and BBQs are happening.  Here's the perfect pasta salad to bring to your next party.

1 lb of bite-sized pasta

1 4 oz package of Feta Cheese

Cherry or grape tomatoes

1 14 oz can of artichoke hearts

1 package of turkey pepperoni

1 cucumber (sliced)

Zucchini

Sun-dried tomatoes

Fresh mozzarella

Toasted pine nuts

Dressing

3/4 cup olive oil

2 teaspoons garlic powder

6 teaspoons oregano

6 teaspoons basil

1-1/2 teaspoons pepper

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder

1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard

1 cup red wine vinegar

1 T honey

2 T feta

Cook pasta according to package.  Drain and cool.  Add some olive oil to the pasta to prevent it from sticking.  Chop veggies into bite-sized pieces.  Put all ingredients into a large bowl.  

In a mixing bowl, whisk the ingredients together. Slowly whisk in the olive oil.   Drizzle over the salad, adding a little more seasoning to taste.  (This can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.)