Bacon 'n Basil Pasta Salad

Perfect for a potluck, picnic or any time you're serving a crowd, this big batch of pasta salad can be prepared in just 25 minutes.

Prep Time

Minutes

Total Time

2:25

Hrs:Mins

Makes

servings

package (16 oz) penne pasta

1/2

lb sliced bacon

pint grape tomatoes, cut in half

medium red or green bell peppers or 1 of each, chopped (2 cups)

medium green onions, sliced (1/4 cup)

1/3

cup red wine vinegar

tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2

cup olive oil

1/2

cup chopped fresh basil leaves

teaspoon salt

1/2

teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain.
Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat 5 to 8 minutes until crisp; drain on paper towels. Crumble bacon; refrigerate until serving time.
In large bowl, mix pasta, tomatoes, bell peppers and onions.
In small bowl, beat vinegar and mustard with whisk. Add oil; beat with whisk until blended. Stir in basil, salt and pepper. Pour over pasta mixture and toss to combine. Cover; refrigerate 2 hours or until chilled.
Just before serving, sprinkle bacon over salad and toss to combine.

Makes 22 servings

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker^® Kitchens

Grape tomatoes are the smaller version of cherry tomatoes and they are just about bite-size. Cherry tomatoes, cut in half or into quarters, can be used instead of grape tomatoes in this salad.

Experiment with the bacon. Try peppered bacon or applewood-smoked bacon for a slight flavor variation. If using peppered bacon, taste the salad before seasoning to taste with pepper.

Nutrition Information:

1 Serving (1 Serving (1/2 Cup))

Calories 160

(Calories from Fat 60),

Total Fat 7g

(Saturated Fat 1g,
Trans Fat 0g),

Cholesterol 0mg;
Sodium 270mg;
Total Carbohydrate 19g

(Dietary Fiber 1g,
Sugars 1g),

Protein 4g;

Percent Daily Value*:

Exchanges:

1 Starch;
0 Fruit;
0 Other Carbohydrate;
0 Skim Milk;
0 Low-Fat Milk;
0 Milk;
1/2 Vegetable;
0 Very Lean Meat;
0 Lean Meat;
0 High-Fat Meat;
1 1/2 Fat;

Carbohydrate Choices:

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Bacon 'n Basil Pasta Salad

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker^® Kitchens