CAPRESE PASTA SALAD

8-oz dried multigrain penne pasta

1 pint cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved

4-oz fresh mozzarella cheese

1 medium yellow bell pepper, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup fresh basil, torn

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp Dijon mustard

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse under cold running water to cool; drain well.

In a serving bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cheese, bell pepper and basil. In a screw-top jar, combine vinegar, olive oil, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. Cover and shake well. Pour over salad and toss to coat.

Yield: 6 servings

Per serving: 251 calories, 9g fat (3g sat), 13mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 30g carbs, 11g protein

Diabetic Exchanges: .5 vegetable, 2 starch, .5 high-fat meat, 1 fat

An easy salad to take to work, etc as shown above