Chicken, Basil And Tomato Pasta Salad - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 cups cooked chicken, cut into small cubes
8 ounces rotini pasta or 8 ounces penne pasta
6 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 medium tomatoes, cut into thin wedges (about 1 pound)
3/4 cup finely shredded paarmesan cheese (3 ounces)
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
1/2 cup finely shredded fresh basil
parmesan cheese, shaved, for topping (optional)

Preparation

Cook pasta according to package directions, adding green beans the last 5 minutes of cooking; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again.
Mix together the oil, vinegar, salt, garlic, mustard and pepper with a whisk until thoroughly combined.
In a very large bowl toss together the pasta mixture, chicken cubes (if using), dressing, tomatoes, shredded cheese and olives. Cover and chill for 4-24 hours. Add basil and toss gently before serving. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired.