Easy and Yummy Pasta Salad Recipe! (vegetarian, whole grain)

Ingredients 

• 1 dry lb whole grain shaped pasta
• 1 large red bell pepper, washed and cut into 1 inch strips
• 1 large head brocolli, washed with stalk removed, and cut into small florets
• 1 can large ripe olives, stoned and cut in half
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half
• 4 ounces pinenuts (approx)
• 5 to 6 large leaves fresh basil
• 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced.
• white vinegar
• olive oil
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper

1. Boil water and cook pasta per al dente instructions on box.
2. While pasta is cooking, chop veggies as stated above in the ingredients section.
3. Drain pasta into a colander and run under very cold water, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cool to the touch. transfer colander to fridge to cool.
4. In a food processor, mince garlic and then add 1/3 of a cup white vinegar and 5 to 6 basil leaves. Mix until basil is well chopped. Or, alternatively, mince garlic and very finely chop the basil by hand.
5. Transfer vineger/garlic/basil mix to a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 tsp. sea salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until combined.
6. Remove pasta from fridge and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Combine with veggies and pinenuts, then pour dressing over top and stir/toss to coat well.  Serve and enjoy.

ps - this makes lots, but leftovers are great. If your pasta soaks up the dressing while sitting, make up some more to add!