Summer Vegetarian Pasta Nicoise Salad

We travel to France and have many friends there. One of my favorite Summer Salads is Nicoise. Traditionally it's serve with Tuna. I don't eat Seafood so I created this Vegetarian version.

Vegetarian Pasta Nicoise Salad

1 Pound of Penne Pasta prepared according to package directions.
Drain, reserve  the water and return it to the pot.

1/2 Pound of Trimmed French Green Beans boiled for 2 minutes in the reserved Pasta Water.
Drain.

3 Hard Boiled Eggs, halved.

1/4 C Olive Oil
2 TBS Red Wine Vinegar
2 tsp Dijon Mustard
2 TBS finely chopped Shallots
1/4 tsp Salt

2 C Halved Cherry Tomatoes
1/2 C Sliced Black Olives
1/4 C Drained Capers
1/4 C finely chopped Fresh Parsley

Pepper to Taste

In a Large Serving Bowl:
Oil
Vinegar
Mustard
Shallots
Salt
Whisk Well.

Gently Fold in:
Tomatoes
Olives
Capers
Parsley

Add:
Pasta
Beans
Toss Gently.

Top with Eggs.
Sprinkle with Pepper to Taste.
Cover with Plastic Wrap.
Refrigerate 30 - 60 minutes prior to Serving.

Gently Toss just before Serving.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!