Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Prep and Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/4 lb fusilli (corkscrew) pasta
• 1 large bunch asparagus cut into 1-inch lengths, discarding bottom fourth
• 1/2 medium onion, minced
• 1/2 basket cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 5-6 medium cloves garlic, pressed
• 3 TBS chopped fresh basil (or 1 TBS dried basil)
• 1 TBS chopped fresh tarragon(or 1 tsp dried tarragon)
• 3 TBS fresh lemon juice
• 1 TBS balsamic vinegar
• 3 TBS extra virgin olive oil
• salt and cracked black pepper to taste
• *optional 4 oz goat cheese

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to instructions on package.
2. While pasta is cooking prepare rest of the ingredients. Place everything but asparagus in a bowl and set aside.
3. When pasta is about 3 minutes from being done, add asparagus to cooking pasta. (If asparagus is thick you may want to add 4 minutes before it's done. Or if it is thin, add 2 minutes before it's done.) Drain and rinse in cold water in colander when done. Make sure it drains well so it doesn't dilute flavor.
4. Toss with rest of ingredients, and season with salt and pepper.