Sunday, August 01, 2010

Summer Pasta Salad

This is another one my first ever recipes.  (Read: "before I knew how to cook".)  I haven't made this salad in years -probably the last time was 10 years ago.  I had no problem remembering the recipe--I never wrote it down because it is that easy!  This recipe was inspired by one I found on the back of some box of pasta.  The original recipe seemed "heavy" so I adapted it to my liking.  I can't believe I haven't made this for such a long time --it is so light and delicious!  My 11-year old was helping me with the grocery shopping today.  We passed the prepared foods section and the pasta salad caught her eye.  She said, "oh, let's get some of that pasta salad!"  I replied, "let's make our own!" 

Claire's Summer Pasta Salad

1 pound pasta (elbow, farfalle, etc.) cooked, rinsed under cold water, drained well
scant half cup of mayonnaise
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1-2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1-3 Tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 large english cucumber or a 1 lb package of mini cucumbers, seeded and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces or similar size of tomato halves (I like to leave the skin on half the cucumbers and peel the other half)

Mix mayonnaise and vinegar in large bowl.  Add salt, pepper, and dill, mix to combine.  Add pasta, tomatoes, and cucumbers and toss until all ingredients are coated with dressing.  Enjoy!