Asparagus Pasta Salad

Serves 8 -10 (as a side dish)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups bowtie, shell or macaroni whole wheat pasta, cooked
• ½ pound asparagus, diced
• 3 Large carrots, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 3 small tomatoes, diced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp oil (olive, avocado, sunflower, etc.)
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried basil
• pepper to taste

Directions:

Steam the asparagus, carrots and bell pepper separately in a bit of water just until cooked. In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, pasta and parsley.
In a small bowl or blender, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, basil and pepper. Pour this dressing over the pasta, stirring well to coat. I chilled mine before serving it. 
Viola! Super easy. I made this for Easter & it was a huge success, even among the anti-health foodies.




Recipe adapted from http://vegetarian.about.com/od/soupssalads/r/asparaguspasta.htm