Best Quick & Delicious Summer Salads !!!

Fresh, easy, and pretty enough for a party–these colorful salads top our list of go-to recipes for summer meals.

Fresh Pesto Pasta Salad :  

Toss chopped fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese with still-warm pasta shells and a flavorful garlic vinaigrette – and you’ve got the perfect side dish for a summer sandwich.

<3  1 (16-ounce) package shell  pasta

<3  1/3 cup red wine vinegar

<3  1 tablespoon sugar $

<3  1 teaspoon seasoned pepper

<3  1/2 teaspoon salt

<3  1 teaspoon Dijon mustard $

<3  1 garlic clove, pressed

<3  3/4 cup olive oil $

<3  1 cup chopped fresh basil

<3  1 (3-ounce) package shredded Parmesan cheese $

<3  1/2 cup toasted pine nuts

<3  Garnishes: gourmet mixed baby salad greens; grape tomatoes; small, yellow pear-shaped tomatoes.

Preparation :

Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain.

Whisk together vinegar and next 5 ingredients. Gradually whisk in olive oil.

Add vinaigrette to pasta. Add basil, cheese, and pine nuts; toss to combine. Garnish, if desired.