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Tomato and Herb Pasta Salad

If making you own creme fraiche for this recipe, it needs to be prepared a couple of days in advance.
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Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup creme fraiche recipe included
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar (optional)
  • 1 lb cherry or grape tomatoes rinsed and cut in half
  • 1 md/lg cucumber cut in half lengthwise and sliced
  • 1/2 lb fresh green beans remove ends, rinse and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup carrots sliced baby variety
  • 3/4-1 lb mini pasta bow tie, penne, rotini or gemelli
  • 2 tbsp shallots finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp Mariposa Farms Fresh Basil rinsed and chopped leaves
  • 2 tbsp Mariposa Farms Fresh Baby Dill rinsed and chopped
  • 2 tbsp Mariposa Farms Fresh Parsley rinsed and chopped
  • 2 tbsp Mariposa Farms Fresh Thyme rinsed and leaves removed
  • 2 tbsp Mariposa Farms Fresh Oregano rinsed and chopped
  • 2 tbsp Mariposa Farms Fresh Tarragon rinsed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta (optional)

Instructions
 

Creme Fraiche

  • In a quart jar, combine 2 cups heavy cream and 3 tbsp of cultured buttermilk. Cover the jar tightly with cheesecloth and leave it set for 24 hours at room temperature. Stir and screw on airtight lid, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using.

Pasta Salad

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil, add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water. In a separate bowl add a generous amount of ice and water. Add the carrots to the boiling water, in 2 minutes add the green beans. Boil for 3-5 minutes, remove from the boiling water and place into the bowl of ice water. Allow to cool for a few minutes before you drain off the water and set the pan aside.
  • Bring the salted water back to a boil and add the pasta. Cook to the al dente stage about 7 minutes.
  • Whisk the creme fraiche, vinegar, sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper in a large bowl. Add the tomato halves and the shallots. Toss to coat all ingredients, let sit for flavors to combine.
  • Just before the pasta is ready to drain add the carrots and green beans to reheat them. This should only take 3-5 minutes. Drain and toss with the tomatoes and shallots. Stir in the fresh herbs and feta cheese if using.
  • Serve and enjoy!