Spinach and Whole Wheat Pasta Salad 14 July 08

A very simple summer pasta salad. Make ahead of time and let marinate in the fridge for a couple hours before serving.

Spinach and Whole Wheat Pasta Salad

1 tsp ground basil or chopped fresh basil
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 T balsamic vinegar
2 T olive oil
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 ounces crumbled Bleu or Gorgonzola cheese (Feta also works well here)
2 cups spinach, coarsely chopped
chopped red bell pepper
1 box whole wheat pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Add red pepper, walnuts, red onion and spinach to drained pasta.
Combine basil, red pepper flakes, pepper, salt, garlic, vinegar and olive oil in a small bowl and whisk together.
Pour over pasta mixture. Cover and refrigerate.