Simple Pasta Salad

I haven't been feeling so hot this week so I just haven't felt like cooking or eating (which is very unusual for me). That's when I turn to staple recipes like my simple pasta salad (I really should come up with a more clever name). If you can, try to use whole wheat pasta. Complex carbs are much better for you and will keep you from crashing later in the day.

SIMPLE PASTA SALAD

1 Package of cooked (al dente) pasta, such as penne (do not rinse pasta)

Dressing:

1/3 cup white wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar (I used some of both)
1/4 cup of good quailty extra virgin olive oil
1-2 T. honey (I just use one big squeeze)
1 t. sweet or dijion mustard
1/8 t. salt, or to taste
1/4 t. pepper, or to taste
1 t. dried basil
1 t. dried dill
1/4 t. dried oregano and tarragon (optional)
a pinch of cayenne pepper
1/4 t. paprika

(The herb and spice measurements can be tweaked to your personal tastes. I just use whatever I have on hand).

Mix all dressing ingredients in a jar. Shake well. Dress pasta while the pasta is still warm. Add chopped vegetables and other ingredients as listed below:

celery, diced
red bell pepper, chopped
English cucumber, chopped
olives, diced
sharp cheddar, cut into small cubes
cherry tomatoes
baby carrots, chopped

The sky's the limit with this pasta salad. It's the dressing that makes it light, refreshing, and so simple to make. Kids love this salad. I used to make it as a kid all of the time and even the picky kids would eat it. It's also perfect for lunch or a picnic in the park.