Sun-Dried Tomato and Broccoli Pasta Salad

• broccoli, sliced 1/8-inch up to crowns↗1 bunch
• sun-dried tomato, julienne cut, approx. 3 . 5 oz↗1 cup
• olive oil↗1⁄2 cup
• diced red bell pepper1⁄2 cup
• garlic cloves, peeled and minced↗4
• tri-colored rotini pasta↗12 ounces
• pine nuts↗4 tablespoons

  optional

• salt & pepper

  to taste

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes (including oil if packed in oil), and red pepper. Saute until broccoli is tender, about 6 minutes.

3. 3

   Add garlic and heat for another 2 minutes, being careful not to burn garlic.

4. 4

   Remove skillet from heat.

5. 5

   Prepare pasta, according to package directions. Rinse in cold water, and add to skillet.

6. 6

   Add pine nuts to skillet, toss salad, and transfer to serving bowl.

7. 7

   Salt and pepper, to taste.

8. 8

   Serve warm or chilled.