That Pasta Salad U Make

1. Cook pasta according to box directions, drain and bathe in cold/ice water. This keeps it from cooking further as it cools. Also, it won’t get glutzy.

2. In a shaker or measuring cup, mix the vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Lawry’s, paprika, and pepper. Whisk ‘em with a fork and set aside.

3. Chop/mash the fresh basil (I have lemon, regular and cinnamon–all are quite tasty). Toss it in the salad dressing mixture. Set aside.

4. Drain the cooled pasta and quickly toss in the dressing mixture. Use 2 spoons, or your hands (clean) to thoroughly incorporate the dressing to the pasta.

5. Throw in everything else: cheese, olives, peppers.

6. Give it a happy toss and call it dinner.

Note: I use whole wheat pasta for the fiber and higher protein it contains.