From Scratch: Spicy Pasta Salad with Smoked Gouda, Tomatoes, and Basil

Hello everyone! :) I had a post for the recipe done about a month ago and when I went to post it, bam, nothing. The blog froze. At the time, I didn't have the time to do it again, so here I am! :) This is a unique salad that uses ingredients i've never cooked with or used before, so I was excited to try it. I know this is going to surprise you all, but I got this recipe from The Pioneer Woman. Since it's garden vegetable season, this may be a new recipe for you to use for those fresh garden tomatoes and basil.

Enjoy!

::Spicy Pasta Salad with Smoked Gouda, Tomatoes, and Basil::

12 ounces, weight Mostaccioli

1/2 cup Mayonnaise

1/4 cup Whole Milk

4 Tablespoons White Vinegar

1-1/2 teaspoon Adobo Sauce From Chipotle Peppers (or One Minced Chipotle Pepper)

1/2 teaspoon Salt

Ground Black Pepper To Taste

10 ounces, weight Grape Tomatoes, Halved Lengthwise

1/2 pound Smoked Gouda Cheese, Cut Into Small Cubes

24 whole Basil Leaves (chiffonade)

(This is optional, but i added just a bit of garlic salt and onion salt) :)

Cook pasta until done. Drain and rinse in cold water until no longer hot. Set aside.

Mix mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, salt, pepper, and adobo in a small bowl.

In a large bowl, stir together pasta, dressing, halved tomatoes, and cubed Gouda. Taste for seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if needed, and even an extra teaspoons or two of vinegar if necessary. Stir in basil at the end. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.

Could find Mostaccioli when I was at Wal Mart, so the penne rigate was the closest looking item I could find. Who knows, maybe its just another name for mostacciloli?!