Basil Bacon Tomato Pasta Salad

As we say goodbye to summer, I’m always looking for ways to use up fresh tomatoes. This pasta salad has been on repeat over here because it includes one of my favorite food combinations (bacon and tomato) along with my favorite fresh herb, basil. I have a black thumb so every time I go to Trader Joes I buy the $3.99 potted basil. I use it all up then go buy a new one. One day I’ll have a thriving herb garden, but today is not that day, my friends. You could add steak or chicken to this to make it a really protein-packed meal, but it works perfectly this way as a hearty side. I like that you can save the extra dressing for a green salad the next day as well!

BBT PASTA SALAD
Cook time: 10 minutes Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
12 oz short pasta
⅓ red onion, diced
4-5 compari tomatoes
⅓ cup fresh basil leaves
6 pieces bacon
Chive Pesto Vin
Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1.) Boil the pasta in salted water. Once cooked, drain then run under cold water.
2.) Pan fry the bacon until crispy. Chop into one-inch pieces.
3.) Dice the onion and tomatoes, then chiffonade the basil. Toss together the pasta salad.
4.) Assemble the dressing in a jar and pour over all of the ingredients. Reserve a quarter cup of dressing to pour over before serving, resulting in the highest quality final precuts.
5.) Top with freshly grated parmesan.