Summer Pasta Salad

Hi friends!  Summer is upon us and isn't it exciting to eat some local foods?  This pasta salad is great for using what you have in your garden, or for making after a trip to the local farmer's market.  My two-year old liked this salad also, especially the sliced zucchini pieces!  It includes a homemade dressing which was delicious.  To add even more flavor the next day I drizzled some lemon juice on top of my serving and it still tasted great as left-overs! I think this would be a crowd-pleaser at a party or summer barbecue.

Summer Pasta Salad 
*Adapted from Southern Living

Ingredients:
2 cups, halved baby tomatoes
1 zucchini, thinly sliced into half moons
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 8oz. package whole-wheat penne pasta
1/2 cup fresh torn cilantro

Parmesan Vinaigrette Dressing
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon juice (add more, according to your tastes!)
1 TB balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves
Salt
Pepper

*Blend dressing ingredients!  Stop and taste every minute or so.  You can easily add more lemon, salt, or pepper if you wish.  This would also be good with cilantro in the mix as well.

Directions:
Toss all salad ingredients together and then mix well with the vinaigrette.  You can add more lemon juice to the top of the salad if you wish!

Happy Eating!
Sara