Heirloom Tomato, Asparagus, Bow Tie Pasta

Heirloom Tomato, Asparagus, Bow Tie Pasta! I found the most beautiful heirloom tomatoes at the grocery store the other day. Two pounds of gorgeous purple, red, green, yellow and orange grape tomatoes 🙂 I decided to use up some of our leftover ham and these delectable tomatoes in a pasta salad. Oh my goodness, I was in heaven. I absolutely love pasta salads chocked full of delicious veggies. This one did not disappoint! The asparagus was a perfect combo with the ham, and the addition of parmesan made my tastebuds very happy! 🙂 If you’re looking for a vegetarian dish… just omit the ham!

Heirloom Tomato, Asparagus, Bow Tie Pasta

 

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Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

15 mins

Total time

25 mins

 

Author: Vixen's Kitchen

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound box bow tie pasta, cooked al dente
• 1 bunch asparagus
• 1½ cups cooked ham, chopped
• 1 pound grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• ⅓ cup parsley, choppped
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

Ingredients for the dressing:

• ½ cup good extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ large lemon, juiced
• 1 Tbs. dijon mustard
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. fresh ground pepper
• If you really like lemon, you can also add ½ tsp. lemon zest!

Instructions

1. In a large pot of salted water, cook your noodles al dente according to the package. Make sure to drizzle some oil into the water so your noodles don't stick! Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, cut your asparagus into 2 inch pieces. In a large pot of boiling water, cook your asparagus for 2-3 minutes. Don't overcook them! You want them crisp. Remove the asparagus with a slotted spoon and immediately put into a bowl of ice water. You've just "blanched" your asparagus 🙂 (Blanching, is perfect for green vegetables, because it helps preserve the flavor, crisp texture, and bright green color.)
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, mustard, salt, pepper and optional lemon zest. While whisking, slowly add in your olive oil.
4. In a large bowl, combine your pasta, asparagus, ham, parsley, cheese and dressing. Mix well. Fold in your tomatoes. Salt & pepper to taste. Serve with an extra sprinkle of parmesan! Bon Appétit!

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