Nutrition Facts
 Calories
CaloriesNutrition Facts
| Calories | 250 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 16.0 g | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.0 g | |
| Trans Fat | 0.0 g | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12. g | |
| Cholesterol | 3 mg | |
| Sodium | 255 mg | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27 g | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g | |
| Sugars | 4 g | |
| Added Sugars | 8 g | |
| Protein | g | |
                Dietary Exchanges
                1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 2 fat
            
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 
                        1 avocado (peeled, pitted, sliced) 
- 
                        1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped) 
- 
                        2 garlic cloves (mashed) 
- 
                        1 tablespoon avocado oil 
- 
                        2 tablespoons reduced-fat, grated Parmesan cheese 
- 
                        1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 
Salad Ingredients
- 
                        1 avocado (cubed) 
- 
                        3 cups enriched whole wheat rotini pasta, cooked 
- 
                        1/2 red onion (diced) 
- 
                        2 cups cherry tomatoes (tri-colored), halved 
- 
                        1 1/2 cups lower-sodium, canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas) (drained, rinsed) 
- 
                        2 cups spinach (chopped) 
- 
                        2 ounces reduced-fat feta (crumbled) 
- 
                        10 kalamata olives (drained, chopped) 
- 
                        1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped) 
- 
                        1/2 tablespoon red chili pepper flakes 
- 
                        1 teaspoon dried oregano 
- 
                        2 tablespoons lemon juice 
- 
                        1/2 large English cucumber, quartered, diced 
Directions
- 
                                Prepare pasta according to package directions. Do not overcook – it is better to have firm pasta or slightly undercooked (al dente). 
- 
                                Salad Dressing: In a separate bowl combine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Store in the refrigerator until ready to prepare pasta salad. Refrigerate any remaining dressing for future use. 
- 
                                Pasta Salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, cheese, olives, chickpeas, and herbs and combine with Pesto Avocado Dressing. Squeeze lemon juice on salad before serving. 
 
                        