Tubetti Macaroni Salad with Crisp Garlic Bread Crumbs

Great side for summer BBQs....with a little crunch.

ingredients

For bread crumbs:
1 Tab. olive oil
1/2 cup fresh white bread crumbs
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/8 tsp. salt
For Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
6 Tab. olive oil
10 large basil leaves, minced
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
For salad:
8 oz tubetti or regular macaroni, cooked rinsed with cold water, tossed with 1/2 tsp. olive oil, chilled
6 ripe medium tomatoes, outer shells only, diced
1 large red bell pepper, seeded, roasted, diced
2 Tab. julienned basil leaves

1
For bread crumbs: heat oil in non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add crumbs and garlic; cook until bread is browned and crispy, stirring often to prevent burning, about 4 minutes. Add salt. Stir well. Let cool.
2
Whisk together vinegar, oil, basil leaves, garlic, salt, sugar and red pepper in large mixing bowl until well combined. Toss chilled tubetti, tomatoes and pepper with vinaigrette.
3
To serve: sprinkle bread crumbs on salad. Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with basil.

Source: Margaret Pietraszek