BBTP = Bacon Basil Tomato Pasta Salad

Ever since school started, I've been on the run.  Running to get the kids outta bed (my oldest gets up at 6am), running to drop her off (we leave the house at 6:40), running back home to get my youngest ready for school...you get the picture.  It's been a busy couple of weeks and we're only 6 days into school but it still feels tiring.  In the beginning of the year I try to have everything organized: easy, healthy snacks...check, school supplies...check, dinner....wait, what?  DINNER?  Oh yes!  I somehow forgot to think of what I would make...the story of my life! 

 

What I DO love about September is the fact that so many delicious veggies are readily available.  Tons of tomatoes, cucumbers spilling out of our garden, peppers and fresh herbs.  This pasta salad is easy and works well for a dinner on the fly but is also yummy in a lunchbox. 

 

BBTP = Bacon Basil Tomato Pasta Salad!

 

Ingredients:

• 1 box of the pasta of your choice
• 4-6 strips of crumbled bacon or turkey bacon
• 2 fresh tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1 whole large green pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 large cucumber, seeded and chopped
• chopped basil
• salt and pepper to taste
• Balsamic Dressing (any will do or you can use my recipe, below)

Directions:

• Boil your pasta, drain
• Add all your veggies and mix in dressing
• Season to taste
• Top with cheese if desired (Blue Cheese takes this to a hole new level, just sayin' but feta, mozzarella, anything goes!)

Dressing

• 1/4 cup good quality balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Simply place all your ingredients in a screw top jar and shake until combined!  EASY PEASY!

 

So on this very first official weekend away from our first weeks of school, whip up a bowl of this...sit back and stop running.  That is, at least until Monday morning!  See you then ;)