Cheese-Pasta Salad

This was in the local paper a while back. It is easy to make and very VERY good!

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8  ounces penne pasta
• 8  ounces smoked mozzarella cheese (specialty cheese) or 8  ounces smoked gouda cheese (specialty cheese) or 8  ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese (specialty cheese)
• 2  medium celery ribs
• 1  pint cherry tomatoes
• 1  cup frozen green pea
• 1⁄2 cup fresh basil leaf
• 1  tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1⁄3 cup light mayonnaise
• 1⁄2  lemon, juice of
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Bring 2 1/2 quarts of unsalted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until form to tender, about 10 - 12 minutes. Drain into colander; rinse under cold water.
2. Meanwhile, cut the cheese into 1/4 inch cubes and place into 3 qt or larger serving bowl. Cut celery into bite size pieces. Add to the bowl.
3. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half; add to bowl.
4. Rinse the peas under cool water. Drain and add to bowl.
5. Chop basil and add to bowl.
6. Shake the colander to remove as much water as possible from pasta. Add pasta to bowl.
7. Add olive oil, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt and pepper evenly over the bowl.
8. Stir gently to mix well.
9. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate until ready to serve.