BACON AND BASIL PASTA SALAD

Bacon and Basil Pasta Salad image

Perfect for a potluck, picnic or any time you're serving a crowd, this big batch of pasta salad can be prepared in just 25 minutes.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Lunch

Time 2h25m

Yield 22

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

1 package (16 oz) penne pasta
1/2 lb sliced bacon
1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half
2 medium red or green bell peppers or 1 of each, chopped (2 cups)
4 medium green onions, sliced (1/4 cup)
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Steps:

Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain.
Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat 5 to 8 minutes until crisp; drain on paper towels. Crumble bacon; refrigerate until serving time.
In large bowl, mix pasta, tomatoes, bell peppers and onions.
In small bowl, beat vinegar and mustard with whisk. Add oil; beat with whisk until blended. Stir in basil, salt and pepper. Pour over pasta mixture and toss to combine. Cover; refrigerate 2 hours or until chilled.
Just before serving, sprinkle bacon over salad and toss to combine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160, Carbohydrate 19 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving (1/2 Cup), Sodium 270 mg, Sugar 1 g, TransFat 0 g