PASTA SALAD WITH SMOKED SAUSAGE RECIPES

Steps:

• Bring pan with 2 to 3 inches of water to a boil.
• Turn heat off and add sausage.
• Immediately cover pan and let sausage stand 15 minutes.
• Remove sausage to a plate and let cool in the refrigerator.
• Meanwhile, prepare vinaigrette dressing by mixing dry mustard, salt, pepper, garlic and vinegar together in a small bowl.
• Slowly whip in olive oil to form an emulsion.
• Cook pasta according to package directions.
• Drain.
• Place in large bowl and toss with 1/4 cup vinaigrette dressing.
• When cool, slice sausage into thin 1/4-inch slices.
• Remove garlic clove from vinaigrette dressing.
• Add sausage, peas, onion, tomatoes, carrots, 1/4 cup basil and remaining vinaigrette to the pasta.
• Sprinkle top with cheese. Garnish with fresh basil.

Steps:

• Cook tri-color rotini per package instructions. Drain and set aside. Cover bowl with a towel until ready to use.
• While pasta cooks, add canola oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once oil is warm, add sausage, carrots, green pepper, and yellow onion to the skillet. Cook until sausage begins to brown and veggies are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
• Add cooked pasta, sausage and veggies, and Italian dressing to a large bowl, then toss to coat.
• If you'd like the pasta salad warm, serve immediately. If you'd like the pasta salad chilled, place in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving.