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NHLBIHIN

Cold Fusilli Pasta With Summer Vegetables

A whole new twist on pasta salad!

Recipe Source: Deliciously Healthy Dinners
Prep time Cook time Yields Serving Size
20 minutes 10 minutes 4 servings about 1½ C pasta

Ingredients

8 oz whole-wheat fusilli (spiral) pasta

2 C cherry tomatoes, rinsed and halved

1 large green bell pepper, rinsed and sliced in pieces ¼ inch wide by 2 inches long

½ C red onion, thinly sliced

1 medium zucchini, rinsed and shredded finely or sliced into small chunks (about 1 C)

1 can (15½ oz) low-sodium chickpeas (or garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed

1 Tbsp fresh basil, rinsed, dried, and cut into thin strips (or 1 tsp dried)

¼ tsp salt

⅛ tsp ground black pepper

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

½ C shredded parmesan cheese

Photograph of the completed recipe.
calories 418
Total fat 11 g
Saturated fat 3 g
Cholesterol 10 mg
Sodium 455 mg
Total fiber 13 g
Protein 21 g
Carbohydrates 63 g
Potassium 576 mg

Directions

  • 1
    In a 4-quart saucepan, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil over high heat.
  • 2
    Add pasta, and cook according to package directions for the shortest recommended time, about 8–9 minutes. Drain. Rinse pasta under cold running water to cool, about 3 minutes.
  • 3
    Place all the vegetables and beans in a large salad serving bowl. Season with basil, salt, and pepper.
  • 4
    Add the cooled pasta.
  • 5
    Combine olive oil and vinegar in a small bowl. Mix until completely blended. Pour over vegetables and pasta. Mix gently until well coated.
  • 6
    Divide into four equal portions. Top each with 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese.

Tip: Note: If you can't find beans labeled "low-sodium," compare the Nutrition Facts panels to find the beans with the lowest amount of sodium. Rinsing can help further reduce the sodium level.

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Archived page, reproduced from a 2011 copy. It is reference material, not current guidance.