8.29.13

Pesto Pasta Salad

Now that things have started to come together in my home, I've finally been able to get back to cooking. Don't get me wrong, eating out is fun but there really is nothing like a home cooked meal. Since Patty isn't around to do that for me anymore, I have to depend on myself (the downsides of growing up). As I mentioned earlier in the week, I made a pasta salad for my friend's BBQ. I have to say it was pretty delicious and have been munching on left overs for the last few days. Here is the pretty easy recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 box Gemelli pasta (or any other small pasta; * I used a 16 oz box)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes
• your favorite pesto sauce
• 1/2 cup pine nuts (optional)

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to instructions on box, drain, and run under cold water
• Put pasta, tomatoes, olives, and cheese in a large bowl
• Add pesto sauce to taste ( I used about a 3/4 of a cup)
• Sprinkle pine nuts on top
• Refrigerate for at least an hour (or eat right away if you prefer)
• Makes about 12 servings as a side

Finished product! 

* I had to use 2 containers to hold all the yummy goodness