Gluten Free Tomato Pasta Salad

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

5 Quarts Water

1 – 16 oz. Bag GF Pasta ( I used Sams Mill elbow macaroni, Wal-Mart Brand)

2 Large Tomatoes ( cored and chopped)

1/3 Cup Fresh Parsley leaves (chopped) (if you use dried, cut the amount in half)

3/4 Cup Freshly grated parmesan Cheese (reserve, ¼ cup for topping)

Add water and salt to large pot and bring to rolling boil. Then add olive oil and pasta. Set timer for 7 minutes. During that time pasta will come to rolling boil. When time is up remove and drain in strainer. Rinse with cold water, and place pasta in large mixing bowl. Let cool and add tomatoes, parsley  and ½ cup of cheese. Mix Dressing below, and pour over salad, lightly stirring in dressing . Top with remaining cheese, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Dressing:

Juice of 1 lemon ( about ¼ Cup)

1/3 Cup GF Oil ( I used Light Olive Oil)

1/2 Tablespoon Fresh Oregano (chopped)

1 Tablespoon Fresh Sweet Basil(chopped) (if you use dried, then use half the amount)

1 Teaspoon Salt

2 Teaspoons additive free Garlic Powder

In small bowl whisk all ingredients together and pour over salad.

Please Note: Some GF pastas do not hold up overnight. If you’re not sure then make salad just before you are ready to serve.  I also do not cook Sams Mill pasta as long as the package directions state. I reduce the time by 1 minute.

Salad Variations: Add in cooked and chopped bacon, or chopped ham.

Also you may add in chopped broccoli, lettuce, or onions, but if you do you will have to double the dressing recipe.