Archive for the 'Salads' Category

Summer Basil Pasta Salad

Thursday, October 27th, 2005

Summer in Australia just over a month away but here in Hervey Bay Queensland the weather is already warm and when I found this recipe by Bek Davis I thought it would be great served with some marinated chicken tenderloins or a t-bone steak cooked on the BBQ.

Toni

Summer Basil Pasta Salad
by: Bek Davis

With the long hot days of summer, you will find that you will need something lighter than a T-bone steak.

If you are seeking a fresh and light pasta salad, then you will need to serve this at your next gathering.

Recipe:
16 oz. box Whole Wheat pasta, find a fun shape.
10 oz. frozen chopped spinach (2 cups fresh could be substituted)
1 cup fresh diced tomatoes
1/4 cup finely sliced red onion
4 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 cup Olive Oil
3 Tbsp. garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste

Pasta: Cook pasta according to the package. Drain and let cool. Or run under cold water and ice.

Vegetables: Thaw spinach and drain all excess water by pressing it with your hands.
Wash and dice tomatoes. Slice red onion. Chop fresh basil.

Mix cooled pasta, vegetables, and remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Let sit in refrigerator for at least one hour.

Garnish with Parmesan Cheese and Basil

Tips from Chef Bek:

  • White pasta can be substituted for wheat.
  • Dried basil can be substituted for fresh. (when using fresh herbs in a recipe, use 3 times as much as you would use of a dried herb)
  • Chicken broth can be substituted for the oil
  • Don’t have Balsamic Vinegar; replace it with your favorite Fat Free Italian Dressing.

    • About the Author: Bek Davis is a trained chef and a work at home mom. You can find more recipes, cooking tips, and mom resources on her highly recommended website: http://modernmom.info

    Posted in Pasta Meals, Salads | No Comments »

    Salsa

    Tuesday, October 11th, 2005

    Salsa is a great accompaniment with many meals including salads, seafood, chicken or steaks. It can be a side dish or served as a salad and many people enjoy a salsa as a dip with corn chips or bread sticks.

    Toni

    Salsa - great for salads, on top of fish or steak cooks on the BBQ or as a side dish

    4 ripe tomatoes, finely diced
    40g (1/4 cup) finely chopped red onion
    25g (1/2 cup) chopped coriander
    (cilantro leaves)
    1 tablespoon lime juice

    Combine the tomato, onion, coriander and lime juice, season to taste, then cover the salsa with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

    Remove the salsa from the refrigerator 15 minutes before you are ready to use it so the ingredients have time to return to room temperature and their full flavour.

    Posted in Miscellaneous, Toni's Favourites, Salads | No Comments »