Fresh Apricot Pasta Salad

INGREDIENTS

Dressing:
1 fresh ripe apricot, pitted
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp sugar
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh basil or 2 tsp dried basil
Sea salt, to taste

Salad:
1/4 package rotini pasta
6 fresh apricots, pitted and sliced
1 zucchini, diced
1 bell pepper (any colour), sliced
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil or 2 tsp dried basil
2 cups spring salad mix or lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces

DIRECTIONS

Combine apricot, vinegar, and sugar in blender, and whirl until blended. With blender running, slowly add olive oil until smooth. Stir in basil and salt to taste. Refrigerate.

Cook pasta according to package directions, then rinse in cold water, drain, and let cool.

Combine pasta, sliced apricots, zucchini, bell pepper, and basil in bowl. Toss with apricot basil salad dressing and serve on a bed of salad greens or lettuce.