Italian Sausage, Avocado & Penne Pasta Salad in a Lime & Thyme Dressing

Lime & Thyme Dressing:

1/4 cup + 1 tsp canola oil, divided (65 mL)

2 garlic cloves (2)

3 Tbsp fresh lime juice (45 mL)

2 tsp whole grain mustard (5 mL)

1/2 Tbsp fresh chopped thyme (7 mL)

1/2 tsp smoked paprika (2 mL)

Salad:

1 lb cooked ground Italian sausage (500 g)

4 cups cooked penne pasta (1 L)

1 ripe but firm avocado, peeled, pitted and diced (1)

1 cup shredded carrots (250 mL)

2 Tbsp finely chopped chives (30 mL)
Lime & Thyme Dressing:
1. Place 1 tsp (5 mL) of canola and garlic in a small pan set over low heat. Cook until garlic starts to lightly brown; remove from heat and let cool.
2. Combine garlic mixture with remaining ingredients, whisking to mix.
Salad:
1. Combine all salad ingredients and generous drizzle of dressing in a bowl and mix together. Serve immediately.