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i came up with this recipe on a whim when trying to figure out something to bring as a side dish to a family gathering. i thought about the typical potato salad or fruit salad, but wanted to make something different.

i think i succeeded. this salad was light and refreshing and super easy to make! (oh, and for all you veggie/vegan heads out there, it’s friendly for you too!)

typically acini di pepe pasta is used to make sweet salads usually with pineapple. i think it worked quite nicely in this savory dish.

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ingredients:

1 box acini di pepe pasta (or any small pearl pasta or orzo will do)
1 cup red onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
16 oz. package of heirloom tomatoes (grape size)
1/4 cup newman’s own light balsamic vinaigrette dressing (you can add more or less to your liking.)
1/4 cup  italian parsley, chopped
salt & pepper to taste

preparation:

  • cook pasta following directions on box.
  • dice onion, green bell pepper, and slice all tomatoes in half.
  • once pasta is done cooking, drain and rinse with cool water.
  • transfer pasta to large bowl and add all ingredients and stir well.
  • cover to cool in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

i hope you enjoy this light, summery pasta salad alternative!

printable recipe here.

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comments

there are 2 comments for this post.

  1. John Marcotte on July 14, 2009 2:56 pm

    The only thing better than how it tastes, is how it looks. Nice photography, Patti.

  2. marissa on July 17, 2009 6:18 am

    oh it looks so scrumptious

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