Summer Lovin' Italian Style Pasta Salad

Summer. The best time of year. No coats, long days, lots of sunshine, barbecues and great foods. It is no wonder I love this time of year. So what if the kids are all going back to school. It ain't over. Especially not while I still have great foods growing on the vine. Like tomatoes.

When life gives you tomatoes....you ....uh...make pasta salad.

These are some of my favorite ingredients to use. You could vary it a little. I also like to add marinated artichoke hearts or black olives. Dear Hubby does not like either one, so lucky for him, I did not have them handy and couldn't put them in. I did have a jar of green olives and I sliced up a few to throw into the mix...but so far he hasn't said anything!

After I boil the tri color rotini and give it a cool water bath, I add my pre cut ingredients. Today's choice : Yellow onions, red ripe tomatoes (grown here!,) cheese, minced garlic, sliced green olives, sweet basil, salt, pepper, parmesan and romano cheese, and some parsley flakes.

(Notice the LuRay salad bowl???? One of my favorite pieces in the collection for everyday use. I also have one in pink, of course!)

For the dressing I simply use EV olive oil and red wine vinegar.

And there you have it. My version of Italian pasta salad. Mmmmmm! Delizioso!

May summer's reign live on! At least for another month.