ITALIAN PASTA AND TOMATO SALAD

italian pasta and tomato salad

Pasta Ingredients:

* 8 ounces (2 1/3 cups) uncooked dried penne pasta

Salad Ingredients:

* 1/4 pound (1 cup) Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese, cubed 1/2-inch

* 2 medium (2 cups) tomatoes, cubed 1-inch

* 2 medium (2 cups) zucchini, sliced 1/4-inch

Dressing Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup Italian vinaigrette dressing

* 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves

* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves

* Lettuce leaves

Choose vine-ripened tomatoes to pair with penne pasta.

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water; drain.

2. Combine pasta and all salad ingredients in large bowl.

3. Stir together all dressing ingredients except lettuce leaves in small bowl. Add dressing to salad; toss to coat. Cover; refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Serve salad on lettuce leaves.