Some people believe that eating only vegetables will not fill up the hungriest of manly men. Luckily, I am not one of these people. Sure we all love a great steak every now and then, but eating a vegetable based meal such as a salad can be 100% filling and satisfying. The secret is to load up with LOTS of vegetables and a variety of texture - smooth pasta, crunchy nuts, crisp spinach, squishy tomatoes. The addition of the pasta will create a hearty, healthy, convenient meal that is full of layered flavors. Make this for dinner tonight or to bring on your next picnic and read more.

Bowtie Salad with Fresh Basil and Toasted Pine Nuts
From Meal Time

1 pound farfalle (bowtie) pasta
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes*
2 small zucchinis, sliced
1 can (2 1/2 ounces) sliced black olives, drained
1/2 cup sliced green onions
2 garlic cloves, minced*
1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups baby spinach, slightly chopped
1/2 cup chopped, fresh basil
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Cook pasta as directed on the package until tender but firm. Rinse with cold water; drain.
2. Toss pasta with tomatoes, zucchini, olives, green onions, garlic, vinaigrette and red pepper flakes.
3. Cover and chill, if desired, for up to 24 hours.
4. Just before serving, add spinach and basil; toss gently. Top with pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.

*To save time use canned tomatoes with garlic in place of plain diced tomatoes and garlic.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 400; Total fat 8g (Saturated fat 1.5g); Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 600mg; Carbohydrate 69g; Fiber 4g; Protein 14g

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