SATURDAY'S SALAD

Pasta salads are great for summer meals. I have made many pasta salads and have a number of different recipes with varied ingredients. Today's recipe is spicy and different. I definitely plan to add it to my collection.

SPICY PASTA SALAD WITH SMOKED GOUDA, TOMATOES, AND BASIL
Kosher slat
12 oz. mostaccioli or penne pasta
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. whole milk
1/4 c. white vinegar, plus more if needed
Freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 tsp. adobo sauce from a can of chipotles(or 1 minced chipotle)
1 10 oz. package grape tomatoes, halved lenghtwise
1/2 lb. smoked gouda cheese, cut into small cubes
24 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Drain and rinse under cold water until no longer hot; set aside.
Make the dressing: Mix the mayo, milk, vinegar, 1/2 tsp. salt, pepper to taste and adobo sauce in a small bowl.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, dressing, tomatoes, and gouda. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper, if needed, and even an extra teaspoon or 2 of vinegar, if necessary. Stir in the basil at the end. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.