Pasta Salad With Fresh Basil

By JJCR

Ingredients

• FRENCH DRESSING OR BASIC VINAIGRETTE:
• If you break the dry pasta in half or thirds, it will be more manageable.
• 1 recipe French Dressing or Basic Vinaigrette.
• 1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
• 4 cups cooked pasta, thin spaghetti or capellini (8 oz. dry)
• 2 tbsp. vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil
• MUSTARDY FRENCH DRESSING:
• Add 1 to 1 1/2 tsp. mustard. Blend well. Include onion & garlic , if desired.
• FRENCH DRESSING WITH FRESH HERBS:
• Add 2 tsp. fresh chopped herbs, such as basil, chervil, or tarragon.
• CURRIED FRENCH DRESSING:
• Add 1 tsp. curry powder and blend well.
• CREAM FRENCH DRESSING:
• Add 3 tbsp. heavy cream or sour cream and blend well.
• FRUIT SALAD FRENCH DRESSING;
• Use lemon juice instead of vinegar and add 1/3 cup honey. Blend well.
• BLUE CHEESE DRESSING:
• Add 3 tbsp. crumbled blue cheese. Blend well.
• CHIFFONADE DRESSING:
• Add 1 tbsp. minced parsley, 2 tbsp. minced red pepper, 1 tbsp. onion, and 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped fine. Blend all ingredients well.

Preparation

Step 1

In a small bowl mix the vinegar and salt and let stand a few minutes. Add the pepper and slowly stir or whisk in the oil. Taste for acid and salt and add more if too bland. Stir to blend before using, or store in a jar with tight lid and shake well before using.


FANNIE FARMER COOKBOOK