Grilled Vegetable Salad with Garlic Dressing

Ingredients

• 2 red and/or yellow sweet peppers
• 2 Japanese eggplants, halved lengthwise
• 2 medium zucchini or yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise, or 8 to 10 yellow sunburst or pattypan squash*
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups dried tortiglioni or rigatoni
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon bottled roasted minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup cubed fontina cheese (3 ounces)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons snipped fresh Italian parsley or parsley

Directions

1. Halve sweet peppers lengthwise; remove and discard stems, seeds, and membranes. Brush sweet peppers, eggplants, and zucchini with the 1 tablespoon oil. To grill, place vegetables on the grill rack directly over medium-hot coals. Grill, uncovered, for 8 to 12 minutes or until vegetables are tender, turning occasionally. Remove vegetables from grill; cool slightly. Cut vegetables into 1-inch pieces.

2. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. For dressing, in a screw-top jar combine balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar, olive oil, water, bottled roasted minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cover and shake well.

3. Drain pasta. Rinse with cold water; drain again. In a large bowl combine pasta and grilled vegetables. Pour dressing over salad. Toss lightly to coat. Stir in cheese; sprinkle with parsley. Makes 4 servings.

*Note: If using sunburst or pattypan squash, precook for 3 minutes in a small amount of boiling water before grilling.

Make-Ahead Tip: Cut up cheese; wrap and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Prepare dressing; cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Remove from refrigerator about 15 minutes before tossing with salad.