2 Tomato Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients for 2 Tomato Pasta Salad

• 1 pound pasta (any shape)
• 4 slices bacon
• Red Peppers
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• Olive Oil
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Pine Nuts
• Fresh Oregano
• Chives
• Cherry Tomatoes
• White Vinegar
• Sugar
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Garlic
• French Mustard

How to Make 2 Tomato Pasta Salad

1. Cook 1 pound pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool quickly.
2. While pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables: Cut 4 slices bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. Dice 1 red bell pepper and 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving bacon grease in the pan.
4. Add the bell pepper and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with the bacon grease. Sauté until peppers are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, pepper mixture, crispy bacon, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Pour dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
8. Garnish with extra basil before serving (optional).