Macaroni Salad with Basil Dressing

Name: Macaroni Salad with Basil Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 10 servings.
Ingredients: 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves; 3 garlic cloves; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt, optional; 2/3 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 3 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced; 2 to 3 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices; 7 to 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or part-skim mozzarella cheese

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 10 min. + chilling YIELD: 10 servings.

When my husband and I planned our first garden, we overdid the tomato and zucchini plants. By the end of harvest, I was at my wit's end wondering what else I could do with all those vegetables (sound familiar?). That's when my sister and I came up with this great-tasting salad. Today, even though we have our garden under control, we still make this popular dish.

Ingredients

1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
3 garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt, optional
2/3 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
3 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 to 3 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
7 to 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. In a blender container or food processor, combine the basil, garlic, pepper, and salt if desired. Process until finely chopped. Add oil and vinegar; process until well blended. Set aside. In a 4-qt. salad bowl, combine tomatoes, zucchini, macaroni and cheese; toss lightly. Pour dressing over all; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

Nutrition Facts

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