Bistro Pasta Salad
September 27, 2011As you know, for the past month I have been working with CanolaInfo on its World Heart Day 2011 campaign. To help encourage families to take their health into their own hands, I developed the “Home is Where the Heart Is” Recipe Collection, which is filled with delicious, healthy and easy-to-prepare recipes that both kids and parents will enjoy.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the U.S for men and women as well as something that has affected my family directly. Unfortunately, childhood obesity has continued to grow at an alarming rate. The reason this is so disturbing is because research has shown that children who are overweight or obese are more likely to be overweight or obese as adults. Obesity is a huge risk factor for CVD but one that is preventable with diet and exercise. That is why teaching my children healthy eating habits is so important to me – and something that can start right here at home.
As a mother of three, I wholly understand the challenges of being a busy, working mom and getting healthy meals on the table – not to mention making something the kids will eat! When developing this recipe collection, I really tried to consider what would be fast, economical, healthy and delicious for the entire family, and I think I accomplished just that.
As a common ingredient in all these recipes, I chose to use canola oil. It has the least amount of saturated fat and most omega-3 fat of all cooking oils. Its versatility in cooking and baking simplify my life even more, and it’s inexpensive! This coming Thursday, Sept. 29, is World Heart Day. To celebrate, I will be hosting a Facebook Party on CanolaInfo’s Facebook page from 7-8 PM CST! I will be discussing ways to be heart-smart at home by getting your whole family involved. I hope you will share your own tips and stories as well. Ten of you will be chosen at random to receive a CanolaInfo Heart Health Toolkit. You can RSVP here.
Bistro Pasta Salad
Prep:
20 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Yield:
6 servings 2/3 cup (150 mL)
Ingredients
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 75 mL
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard 15 mL
2 tsp canola oil 10 mL
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups whole wheat penne pasta, cooked 500 mL
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled or cooked, cut into cubes
1/4 cup grated or shaved Parmesan cheese 60 mL
12 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1/2 small red onion, sliced in rings
1/4 tsp ground oregano 1 mL
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 mL
1/2 cup freshly chopped basil 125 mL
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard 15 mL
2 tsp canola oil 10 mL
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups whole wheat penne pasta, cooked 500 mL
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled or cooked, cut into cubes
1/4 cup grated or shaved Parmesan cheese 60 mL
12 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1/2 small red onion, sliced in rings
1/4 tsp ground oregano 1 mL
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 mL
1/2 cup freshly chopped basil 125 mL
Preparation
1. In small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, canola oil and garlic. Set aside.
2. In large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, Parmesan, tomatoes, onion, oregano and pepper, tossing gently. Stir in balsamic mixture and basil, tossing gently again. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to two days.
2. In large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, Parmesan, tomatoes, onion, oregano and pepper, tossing gently. Stir in balsamic mixture and basil, tossing gently again. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to two days.
11 Responses to “Bistro Pasta Salad”
September, 28 2011at 06:09 am
This is such a great change from the typical mayo-infused pasta salads. I love the amount of veggies in it, too! :)
September, 27 2011at 06:58 am
This looks delicious and I love the dish! So cute! :-)
Jeanette says:
September, 27 2011at 07:53 am
I am on the same page as you on getting kids to learn to eat healthy early on - really enjoying this series of heart healthy recipes you've come up with.
EA-The Spicy RD says:
September, 27 2011at 08:01 am
Looks delicious! My kids love pasta, so we make it a lot, but it's usually a hot dish. For some reason I forget about making pasta salad....Will definitely try this out!
amy @ fearless homemaker says:
September, 27 2011at 09:36 am
i adore pasta salad + this one looks delicious! i think i know what i'll be making for lunch! =)
Divya says:
September, 27 2011at 10:21 am
Sounds delicious. Just wondering -is canola oil a better choice than extra-virgin olive oil?
September, 27 2011at 10:51 am
Love dishes like this Alison and often what I turn to when I'm rushed for dinner choices. I usually use olive oil for dressings so anxious to see answer to Divya...I guess I thought I was using the best choice.
Sanjeeta kk says:
September, 27 2011at 10:58 am
Refreshing ans healthy..will have to try with my veggies!
Bev Weidner says:
September, 27 2011at 12:23 pm
That bistro pasta salad is soooo up my alley. I'm actually considering naming my alley BISTRO PASTA SALAD.
It has a nice ring.
August, 19 2012at 01:46 pm
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