Star-Studded Pasta Salad

Every student is a star on graduation day! Prepare this zesty pasta salad that's always a hit at our parties, but give it a festive twist using red, green, and yellow peppers cut into stars.

Ingredients

2 green bell peppers
2 red bell peppers
2 yellow bell peppers
1 pound bowtie pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Cut the peppers in half lengthwise and emove the stems, seeds, and white membranes.

Use a mini star-shaped canape cutter to cut out stars from the peppers. Make this easier by slicing into wide strips, then cutting. Once finished, set aside.

Bring a large pot of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta and cook 8 to 10 minutes until pasta is tender.

Drain in a colander and cool.

Transfer to a large bowl and add the pepper stars.

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, parsley, salt and pepper. Pour over pasta and toss until thoroughly combined.

Optional: For meat lovers in the crowd, provide some sliced salami, ham or turkey to top their salad with.

Serves

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Make Ahead: Pasta can be made the evening before or morning of the party if covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.