Make Your Own Pasta Salad - cooking recipe

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta, cooked (penne is my favorite for this)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 ounces cheese, of your choice (provolone, feta, and pepper are good)
7 ounces pitted olives, of your choice (black and kalamata work well)
1 cup vegetables, of your choice (artichokes, green onions, bell peppers, cucumbers with seeds removed, etc.)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup vinegar, of your choice (red wine or cider)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Preparation

Place pasta, cheese, tomatoes, vegetables and olives in a large bowl.
Mix dressing ingredients in a blender.
Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss to coat.
Refrigerate until serving.