Lunch Box Power Pasta Salad
This thick, creamy dressing has a garlicky kick that becomes deliciously muted if served the next day in a lunch box. Substitute garlic powder if fresh garlic is undesired. Add additional vegetables of choice, diced small, to make the dish more colorful. Recipe by New England Dairy.
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Serves8 (servings)
SWAP ScoreWhat's this?
Ingredients
- 4 cups rotini pasta, whole wheat, uncooked
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 ounces reduced-sodium deli turkey, chopped
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped optional
- 5 ounces low-fat, plain, Greek yogurt
- 2 avocado, pitted and peeled, cut into 1/2" pieces
- 3 tablespoons lime juice, divided
- 1 tablespoon canola or corn oil
- 1 small garlic clove, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water; place in a large bowl and set aside.
- Yogurt dressing: In a small food processor or blender, place yogurt, 2 avocado halves, 2 tablespoons lime juice, oil, garlic, pepper, and salt; blend until smooth.
- Place the remaining 2 avocado halves on the cutting board and cube. Slide avocado into a small bowl and drizzle with remaining lime juice; toss gently. Add avocado to the large bowl of cooked pasta.
- To the bowl of cooked pasta and avocado, add corn, carrot, beans, turkey, cheese and optional cilantro. Mix gently to combine. Pour yogurt dressing over the salad and toss. Serve immediately or refrigerate overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Lunch Box Power Pasta Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 372
Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g
23%
Saturated Fat 4g
20%
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 21mg
7%
Sodium 427mg
18%
Potassium 570mg
16%
Total Carbohydrates 45g
15%
Dietary Fiber 9g
36%
Sugars 3g
Protein 18g
36%
Vitamin A
26%
Vitamin C
16%
Vitamin D0%
Calcium
11%
Iron
14%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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