Ham, Green Bean, Basil and Tomato Pasta Salad 

Preparation and cooking time: 25 minutes

 Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups pasta, bite-size – fusilli, rigatoni, penne
• 1 tbs olive oil, for salads
• 10oz (300gr) deli-style (baked) ham
• 6oz (175gr) green beans
• 1/2 cup (3oz, 90gr) cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup (2oz, 60ml) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (2oz, 60ml) plain or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbs Dijon-style mustard
• 1 tbs lemon juice
• 2 tbs fresh chives, snipped
• 2 tbs fresh basil, snipped

 Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, rinse in cold water and toss with olive oil. 
• Top and tail beans, cut into 1 inch lengths.
• Fill a medium saucepan 2/3 full of water and bring to a boil over high heat. 
• Add beans and blanch for 3 minutes. 
• While the beans cook fill a large bowl or pan 3/4 full of cold water. 
• When the beans are done, drain and dump into the cold water.  Swirl around until cool then drain and set aside.  
• Snip herbs. 
• Cut cherry tomatoes in half. 
• Cut ham into inch squares (or cubes depending on how thick) – or larger if you prefer. 
• In small bowl whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard and lemon juice. 
• Put pasta, ham, beans, herbs and tomatoes in large salad bowl. 
• Add mayonnaise dressing and toss lightly to combine – a tongs works well.   Serve.