SERVES: 4
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
350 g (12 oz) penne pasta
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS:
1 avocado pear, peeled, stoned and diced
Slices of prosciutto or Parma ham, torn into pieces
Cherry vine tomatoes, halved
Cooked and shelled broad beans
Olives
Diced red pepper
Spring onions
Cooked prawns or chicken
Griddled asparagus
Roasted vegetables
Fresh herbs, such as basil or chives
Sun-dried tomatoes
Parmesan shavings
CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING DRESSINGS:
Extra-virgin olive oil
Mayonnaise (see here)
Pesto
Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the pack. Drain, and then cool under cold running water. Drain again.
Transfer the pasta to a shallow bowl or plastic container with a lid. Drizzle with olive oil, season, then stir gently until coated.
At the picnic, allow everyone to select his or her own favourite salad ingredients before mixing them with a dressing in their own bowl or plate.