Whole Wheat Pasta Salad

Like coleslaw and corn on the cob, macaroni salad is a summer party food staple. But like potato salad, it’s also generally filled with empty carbs and empty calories (ahem, mayo). This whole wheat pasta salad is a whole (couldn’t help it!) different story. First of all, whole wheat pasta provides fiber and other vitamins and minerals that the white stuff doesn’t. Throw in veggies and heart-healthy olive oil and it’s a fresh, light side that pairs perfectly with grilled fish or a grass-fed burger. Plus, it’s easy to throw in whatever frozen veggies you’ve got at home. Or you can steam basically any fresh produce you’ve got on hand. That’ll make it easy to create flavor combos you love while also using up whatever veggies are at their peak.

Ingredients

1/2 cup whole wheat pasta
1 cup frozen vegetables, steamed (peas, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc...)
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
to taste sea salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Cook whole wheat pasta (any fun shape your children like) according to package directions and set aside in medium-sized bowl.
2. Steam veggies and add to pasta.
3. Dress pasta and veggie combo with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot or cold.

WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE From heart health to lowering the risk of chronic diseases, choosing whole grains over refined ones is associated with so many health benefits. (Just remember to turn over the box to make sure your pasta is 100% whole wheat or whole grain.) This dish is simple, easy, and will fill you up with nutritious (instead of empty) calories to keep you feeling satisfied (not bloated) at that summer barbecue.