Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Cranberry Pesto Pasta Salad

After devouring the leftovers that my mom shared with me, from a delightful lunch she'd just been to, I created THIS recipe!



Mine is certainly a much healthier pasta salad, and still very tasty!

Cranberry Pesto Pasta Salad


2 c celery, chopped (most of a bunch of celery), include the leaves in the middle!
1/2 c garbanzo beans (used to be a cheese stick, but we don't eat cheese any more)
1 red apple, chopped
1 c walnuts, broken up pieces or whole
1/2 c freeze dried cranberries or raisins, unsweetened (Whole Foods carries cranberries), OR 1/4 c Craisins (I prefer less because of the sugar), OR while I haven't, you could try fresh berries and/or grapes! 
1 jar pesto (or this EASY HOMEMADE PESTO!)
1 box pasta, whole wheat, prepared



While pasta is cooking, chop other ingredients.
Drain pasta and mix in all ingredients.
Chill for a while, and enjoy!

This salad is great for hot days, picnics, and parties!

It is also surprisingly yummy when quickly heated in the microwave :)


BONUS TIP #1: avoid rinsing cooked pasta to retain vitamins which are otherwise washed away!

BONUS TIP #2: re-heat only as much food as you think you'll need, since foods should only be reheated ONE TIME (FOOD SAFETY!).  Single serving dishes are also great because they heat through quickly.  

For more on FOOD SAFETY click on either of the links Some Like It Hot! or We Gotta Chill!

COMING SOON: Benefits of Cranberries

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