Colorful Pasta Salad

Sometimes, I just need a little color in my life.  Maybe it’s the intense schedule I’ve managed to arrange.  Maybe it was the rainy days I had to commute in.  Maybe it’s the hours I’ve spent staring at a computer.  Whatever the reason, I needed a little color in my life at the end of the week.

I know, this is not what you think about when you think of adding color to your life.  But the truth is, bright colors make me happy.  It’s why my raincoat is bright orange.  It cheers me up.  And if those colors come (naturally) from my food, so be it.

I needed something bright and colorful and quick and simple.  So I whipped up this pasta dish with some things I already had on hand.  And I was happy.  I had color in my life again, and good food in my tummy.  And all I have to say to the coming week is this: Bring it.

Colorful Pasta Salad

Serve 2-3

Ingredients:

1/3 package of spinach spaghetti

1 tomato

1 orange bell pepper

1/4 red onion

A nice, big handful of basil

2 teaspoons of olive oil

1-2 tablepoons of balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Suggested additions: Fresh mozzarella, sautéed mushrooms

Directions:

1.  Bring a large pot of water to boil.  Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 11-12 minutes.  Drain and set aside.

2.  While your pasta is cooking, dice the onion and chop the tomato and pepper.  In a bowl, toss the vegetables with the oil and the vinegar.  Julienne the basil and add that to the bowl as well.

3.  Toss the pasta with the vegetables until everything is evenly mixed.  Serve room temperature.

Enjoy!