Summer Pasta Salad

Light Meals

Summer Pasta Salad

Quick, easy and colourful, this popular pasta salad is perfect to throw together for a summer barbecue, picnic or alfresco lunch.

Serves:
4
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 300g penne, bows or other pasta shapes
  • 1 bunch asparagus, cut into pieces
  • 1 chorizo sausage, chopped
  • 1/2 cup semi-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pitted black olives
  • 1/4 cup basil leaves
  • Dressing

Method

Cook the pasta following the directions on the packet. Drain, rinse under cold water then drain well.

Blanch the asparagus in a saucepan of boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water and drain well.

Place the pasta in a large bowl. Toss the dressing through.

Add the asparagus, chorizo, semi-dried tomatoes and olives. Toss gently then garnish with basil leaves.

To prepare the dressing, combine all ingredients in a small bowl.

Hints & Tips

Replace the chorizo with chicken tenderloins sprinkled with Gregg's Lemon Pepper Seasoning and cook in a little olive oil. Cool, slice and add to the salad.

Try different seasonal vegetables if asparagus is out of season - frozen peas work well too!

Top with feta or grilled haloumi for extra zing.

Recipe comments 2

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  1. #user

    Anonymous - 28 February 2011

    Loved this recipe. Great variation from my usual pasta salad recipe.

  2. #user

    Sarah - 18 February 2011

    I made this to take to a bbq, it was perfect! Easy and quick to make.

Summer Pasta Salad

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