Broccoli Pine Nut Pasta Salad

Submitted by ratherbeswimmin

"This is one of our very favorite salads to make for lunch. Very filling and delicious."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 5

ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb farfalle pasta or 1/2 lb bow tie pasta, cooked,drained,and kept warm
• 5 cups broccoli florets, steamed until crip-tender
• 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1⁄2 cups chopped yellow bell peppers
• 1 1⁄2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• salt and pepper
• 1⁄4 cup toasted pine nuts
• chopped fresh parsley
• balsamic vinegar
• lemon wedge

directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan; add the garlic and saute in the oil for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Remove from the heat.
3. Place cooked pasta into a serving bowl; add garlic-oil mixture and toss gently.
4. Add the broccoli, bell peppers, tomatoes, and capers to the pasta; toss to combine.
5. Right before ready to serve, add in the lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste; toss gently.
6. Sprinkle pine nuts and parsley on top; serve immediately.
7. Pass around a cruet of balsamic vinegar and lemon wedges for those who want to add a little splash of zesty flavor to their pasta dish.