Pasta Salad

1. Cook 4 oz (about 1 cup dry) pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool.

2. While the pasta cooks, prepare your vegetables:
Chop 1 cup tomatoes
Trim and cut 1 cup green beans
Finely slice 1/2 cup onion

3. (Optional) Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then drain and cool for a softer texture.

4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, green beans, and onion.
Add:
4 tsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

5. Toss well until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Optional garnish: fresh basil, torn or chopped, just before serving. Enjoy!