This easy to make pasta salad is perfect for a picnic, potluck or family gathering.

Makes: 8 servings

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 lb. uncooked fusilli pasta
• 8 strips of uncooked bacon
• 2 cups fresh sweet peas
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions.  Drain in colander.  Rinse under cold water.  Set aside.
2. Prepare bacon according to package directions.  Transfer to paper towels to remove excess grease.   Chop bacon into small pieces.
3. Bring ¼ cup water to a boil in a small saucepan.  Add peas and cook for 2 minutes.  Drain.  Set aside to cool.
4. Prepare dressing:  In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, dried Italian seasoning, sugar and salt.
5. Put pasta in a large bowl.  Pour half the dressing over pasta. toss to coat.  Add peas, tomato halves and sliced almonds.  Add remaining dressing and toss to coat. Season to taste. Springle with bacon.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips:

• For a vegetarian/vegan version, omit bacon.
• No fresh sweet peas?  Substitute one 16 oz. package of frozen sweet peas.