Bacon and Basil Pasta Salad

Perfect for a potluck, picnic or any time you're serving a crowd, this big batch of pasta salad can be prepared in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

1

Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain.
2

Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat 5 to 8 minutes until crisp; drain on paper towels. Crumble bacon; refrigerate until serving time.
3

In large bowl, mix pasta, tomatoes, bell peppers and onions.
4

In small bowl, beat vinegar and mustard with whisk. Add oil; beat with whisk until blended. Stir in basil, salt and pepper. Pour over pasta mixture and toss to combine. Cover; refrigerate 2 hours or until chilled.
5

Just before serving, sprinkle bacon over salad and toss to combine.

Tip: Grape tomatoes are the smaller version of cherry tomatoes and they are just about bite-size. Cherry tomatoes, cut in half or into quarters, can be used instead of grape tomatoes in this salad.