Summer Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• For the pasta salad:

• 1 lb. pasta (spirals, fusilli, penne etc.)

• 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 zucchinis, cut into bite size pieces (raw, roasted or grilled)

• 1/2 cup sliced olives

• 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion

• Feta or mozzarella cheese, optional

• For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar

• Splash of balsamic vinegar (optional)

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

• 1-2 raw garlic cloves, grated (optional but recommended)

• Sprinkle of dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon honey, agave, or sugar

Directions:

1. Boil the pasta according to package directions. 

2. While the pasta is boiling, make the dressing by combining all the dressing ingredients in a bowl or jar. Whisk or shake to combine.

3. When the pasta is done, drain it and toss it immediately with 3/4 of the dressing.

4. While the dressed pasta is cooling, prepare the other ingredients for the salad.

5. Once mostly cooled, combine the salad ingredients with the pasta. Top with cheese and toss with the rest of the dressing if desired.