A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 6 servings. 1 (16-ounce) box penne pasta, cooked al dente 1 orange bell pepper, finely chopped 3 green onions, sliced ½ cup sliced green olives with pimentos ¼ cup

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 6 servings. 1 (16-ounce) box penne pasta, cooked al dente 1 orange bell pepper, finely chopped 3 green onions, sliced ½ cup sliced green olives with pimentos ¼ cup

Picnic Penne Pasta Salad

Yield: 6 servings.

1 (16-ounce) box penne pasta, cooked al dente
1 orange bell pepper, finely chopped
3 green onions, sliced
½ cup sliced green olives with pimentos
¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive juice
2 teaspoons sugar
1 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon white pepper

Drain pasta and rinse with cold water. Place pasta in a large mixing bowl and add bell pepper, green onions, olives, and dill. Toss all ingredients and set aside.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, olive juice, and sugar. Whisk until sugar is dissolved. Stir in mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.

Pour dressing over pasta and toss until ingredients are evenly coated. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

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This story was published on May 04, 2017

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.