Easy Summer Suppers

    By: Jacqueline Gomes, RDN, MBA  

    One of my favorite aspects of summer is the simplicity of summer meals. I love incorporating the freshness of seasonal ingredients to pasta; an easy staple that transforms into amazing meals.

    • Pasta provides sustained energy and is a low sodium food that is a staple in one of the healthiest diets in the world – the Mediterranean diet!
    • Add in plenty of seasonal fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, asparagus, zucchini and basil; enjoy warm or as a cold salad.
    • As a make-ahead food, pasta is the perfect addition to your summer weekly meal rotation.

     

    Crunchy Tomato Pasta Salad

    pasta salad with tomato and basil

    Prep: 15 minutes

    Chill: 1 hour

    Makes: 4 to 5 servings

     

    Ingredients:

    • 1 pound Barilla Pasta such as Rotini
    • 2 cups Grape tomatoes, cut in half
    • 6 cloves garlic
    • ¼ cup slivered almonds
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil, separated
    • 2 tablespoons fresh basil
    • Salt & pepper

     

    Directions:

    1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Set aside.
    2. Meanwhile, thinly slice garlic cloves.
    3. Heat a skillet to medium heat, add one tablespoon olive oil and toast garlic with slivered almonds, remove from pan and allow to cool.
    4. Add all ingredients and remaining tablespoon olive oil to large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Chill in refrigerator for about one hour before serving.

    Recipe by: Jacqueline Gomes, RDN, MBA