Summer Basil Pasta Salad

With the long hot days of summer, you will find that you will need something lighter than a T-bone steak.

If you are seeking a fresh and light pasta salad, they you will need to serve this at your next gathering.

Summer Basil Pasta Salad

Recipe:

16 oz. box Whole Wheat pasta, find a fun shape.

10 oz. frozen chopped spinach (2 cups fresh could be substituted)

1 cup fresh diced tomatoes

1/4 cup finely sliced red onion

4 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar

1/4 cup Olive Oil

3 Tbsp. garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Pasta: Cook pasta according to the package. Drain and let cool. Or run under cold water and ice.

Vegetables: Thaw spinach and drain all excess water by pressing it with your hands.
Wash and dice tomatoes. Slice red onion. Chop fresh basil.

Mix cooled pasta, vegetables, and remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Let sit in refrigerator for at least one hour.

Garnish with Parmesan Cheese and Basil

Tips from Chef Bek:

  • White pasta can be substituted for wheat.

  • Dried basil can be substituted for fresh. (when using fresh herbs in a recipe, use 3 times as much as you would use of a dried herb)

  • Chicken broth can be substituted for the oil

  • Don't have Balsamic Vinegar; replace it with your favorite Fat Free Italian Dressing.

Bek Davis is a trained chef and a work at home mom. You can find more recipes, cooking tips, and mom resources on her highly recommended website: http://modernmom.info.

Use this article on your website or ezine! You MUST include the following: Bek Davis is a trained chef and a work at home mom. You can find more recipes, cooking tips, and mom resources on her highly recommended website: http://modernmom.info.

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Chinese Dumplings on Chinese New Year

One of my fondest childhood memories is the celebrations around... Read More

Zucchini Carrot Salad

Summer is nearing and it is time to start thinking... Read More

Easy Holiday Quick Bread Recipes

Quick breads are a quick, easy accompaniment to any holiday... Read More

Sicilys Great Eggplant - Tomato Stew

I ran into a friend yesterday, who tells me that... Read More

Asparagus Quiche

½ lb. Asparagus spears (top part of asparagus with the... Read More

All About Strawberry Shortcakes

Strawberry shortcake may be a 200 year-old American invention. With... Read More

Healthy Yummy Bran Muffins

An Individual Health Recipe to EnjoyToo many people start their... Read More

Wonderful Holiday Recipe Ideas

The Holiday Season is upon us and soon we will... Read More

Try Truffles!

Want to serve an elegant, yet easy, dessert? Try truffles.... Read More

Crockpot Cooking - Advantages and Disadvantages

In my 'un-biased' opinion, the crockpot / slow cooker is... Read More

How to Make a Seductive Chili

Dedicated Chili cooks always seem to be looking for an... Read More

Spinach Salad with Mango and Papaya

This is a great summer salad, leaving you refreshed even... Read More

How to Make Your Own Low Fat Vanilla Ice Cream

Sometimes, when you have set yourself in the weight loss... Read More

Whats So Great About Slow Cooking Anyway?

As I walked through the grocery store aisles a few... Read More

Oatmeal-Apple-Raisin Muffins

These muffins are not only tasty, but they're also a... Read More

Swiss Cheese Fondue

Ingredients600g white bread (I recommend baguette or any other kind... Read More

Basic Quick Mix and Recipes

With an easy basic quick mix, you can make a... Read More

Prime Rib Cooking Times

As you look over a couple of prime rib recipes... Read More

Fancy Up Your Muffins

We introduced muffins to you last week and many of... Read More

A Simple Technique to Remember Grocery Items

Whoops! I Forgot the ... at the Grocery Store!Have you... Read More

Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo

Seafood Fettuccine is always a top seller in our restaurants.... Read More

Mays Featured Holidays and Recipes

There are three great days in the month of May... Read More

Parmesan Crusted Sole with Lemon Beurre Blanc

Sole/flounder is a refreshing sweet and mild flavored fish which... Read More

Pasta Recipes ? The Very Best In Italian Cuisine!

These pasta recipes are excellent for dinners or parties.In this... Read More

Do You Know How Many Ways There Are To Eat A Cat Head Biscuit?

A time honored Southern tradition, the infamous "Cat Head" biscuit... Read More

Summer Basil Pasta Salad

With the long hot days of summer, you will find... Read More

How to Bake: Easy Sourdough Bread

A customer emailed us and said that her mother loved... Read More

5-Minute Strawberry Jam

Nothing tastes better than fresh picked strawberries. For many people,... Read More

Ribolitta: The Italian Way Of Having Your Five Veggies A Day!

Ribollita is a delicious low fat Italian soup, a bit... Read More

Low Fat, Low Carb Baked Tortilla Chip with a Mango Salsa Dressing

Many low fat low cholesterol recipes are usually bland and... Read More

Chicken with White Wine & Pasta

Here is a great recipe that is so simple to... Read More

Limes

Limes were originally grown in Asia,introduced by the Arab traders... Read More

Easy Spaghetti Recipes

Spaghetti has always been a favorite family meal. My teenage... Read More