SUMMER SAUSAGE AND PASTA SALAD

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon style mustard
1/4 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups cooked whole wheat rotini pasta
4 ounces summer sausage, coarsely chopped (1 cup)
1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional fresh basil leaves for garnish

In a large bowl and with a wire whisk, mix oil, mustard, garlic and pepper together.

Add cooked rotini to the oil and toss to coat all surfaces. Stir in sausage, tomatoes, bell peppers, basil and Parmesan.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with additional basil leaves.

Transport to picnic in a chilled ice chest.

Servings: 8
Source: National Hot Dog and Sausage Council