I am a sucker for pasta salads during the summer. I have a few favorites like, my
Veggie Overload Pasta Salad and my
Mandarin Orange and Spinach Pasta Salad {with Teriyaki Dressing}. This version is loaded up with fresh-from-the-garden sweet corn, chopped sun dried tomatoes, a variety of other fresh vegetables and some fun, twirl-y pasta. And, although those components are all fabulous in their own rights, it's really
the creamy dressing that makes this pasta salad swoon worthy. A hint of fresh garlic, a little oil, a few spices, some dashes of a good-quality balsamic vinegar and creamy mayonnaise get whisked up together to create what I consider the ultimate pasta salad dressing.
Of course, you can choose to switch up the veggies that you use, but this recipe calls for a combination that I find works great together. The
sweetness and pop of the fresh corn compliments the
chewy, flavor-packed sun dried tomatoes. The cucumber lends a
cool, refreshing component to the salad while the
radish brings a slight peppery "bite" to the party. And, a
subtle onion flavor is present by way of the scallions.
I've chosen an Italian Trottole pasta (such a neat shape), but
any small or medium size pasta works here. Just be sure not to overcook the pasta ... you certainly don't want mushy noodles in this fabulous summertime side dish.
