PARTY PARMESAN PASTA SALAD

This is a hearty salad studded with salami, olives, tomatoes, peppers and basil.

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup each extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

90 g thinly sliced salami

1/4 Kalamata olives, pitted

2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes

6 cups (1.5 L) penne pasta

1/4 cup chopped roasted sweet red pepper

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

In large bowl, whisk cheese, oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper; set aside. Cut salami into thin strips. Chop olives. Cut grape tomatoes in half or cherry tomatoes into quarters.

Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until tender but firm, 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Rinse under cold water; drain well and add to dressing along with reserved pasta water.

Add salami, olives, tomatoes and red pepper; toss to combine. Add basil; toss again.

Makes 12 servings.

Per serving: 320 calories

Canadian Living's "BBQ Plus," Summer 2005, pg 80