Zesty Penne Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce box penne pasta
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 14-ounce can hearts of palm, rinsed, drained and sliced
- 1 6-ounce can large, pitted black olives, drained and sliced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 4-ounce package crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse under cold water and drain well. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil; set aside. In a microwave-safe dish, combine the peas and bell pepper. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes; drain and add to pasta. Stir in hearts of palm, olives and tomatoes. In a small bowl, make the dressing by combining the vinegar and next 8 ingredients (through onion powder). Whisk in reserved 1/2 cup olive oil. Add dressing and feta cheese to pasta; toss to mix well. Makes 12 servings.