Pasta Salad

It's summertime and cookouts, get togethers and parties are the norm. When my family plans a party, everyone always brings a 'dish'. This time of year my pasta salad is always requested. This pasta salad is stored in the fridge, but best served at room temp. Something you need to know: any cheese that you buy already processed ( blue, parmesan, etc) has lost flavor. Buy your cheese in whole pieces and either grate or chunk it yourself as you need it.

1 lb. penne pasta, cooked al dente
1 bunch green onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red onion, chopped
8 0z. kalamata olives, chopped
5 med. roma tomatoes, diced
black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsalmic vinegar
8 oz. blue cheese, crumbled

Have all sliced, minced, chopped, crumbled and diced ingredients ready. When your pasta is ready, drained, rinsed and still hot, add all other ingredients. Mix really well, taste for salt and pepper and add to your taste. Put in fridge and let sit for a couple of hours. Serve at room temp for best flavor.