A light and easy dinner for Summer you can throw together literally in minutes.
Fun Factoid: Summer's heat causes the butterfat in the milk used in Parmesan cheese to rise to the top surface of the wheel, making it better for grating. In the winter, butterfat stays deep inside the wheel. Winter cheeses tend to be more uniform and softer, ideal for serving as a table cheeses.
Fun Factoid: Summer's heat causes the butterfat in the milk used in Parmesan cheese to rise to the top surface of the wheel, making it better for grating. In the winter, butterfat stays deep inside the wheel. Winter cheeses tend to be more uniform and softer, ideal for serving as a table cheeses.
*Serves 6-8 as a side dish
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound tricolor pasta or whatever pasta you like
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes (I like the sun-dried tomatoes that are jarred and packed in oil the best)
1 (14.5 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and diced
1/4 cup fresh basil, torn into small pieces, or 1 tablespoon dried
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1/4 cup diced red onion
¾ cup black or kalamata olives, sliced
2 teaspoons saute spice (equal parts black pepper, salt and garlic powder – I mix up a bunch of this and keep it in a small tupperware in my spice cabinet)
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
( you can also add eggplant as an option or alternive to any item above. )
DIRECTIONS:
Whisk the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil to make a smooth dressing. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water (about 1 tablespoon kosher salt to 4 quarts water) to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente; drain, then pour pasta into a large bowl. While the pasta is still warm, pour a couple tablespoons of the dressing over the pasta and toss so that the pasta doesn’t stick together as it cools. Let it cool to room temperature, tossing now and again to help the cooling process and to prevent sticking.
When the pasta has cooled, add the sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, basil, onion, olives, saute spice, and oregano and toss. Add the vinaigrette and toss again until the pasta ingredients are evenly coated. Add the cheeses and lightly toss. Chill until ready to serve.
Warm regards and love,
Erin
