Gluten-free, Dairy Free, Vegan (hold the goat cheese for DF and Vegan)
This Nectarine Pasta Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette dressing is the perfect example of a whole foods recipe that is quick, bright, and super satisfying. It can be prepared in about 15 minutes!
I realize that the dish is probably more spring/summer than late winter, but when there are still local nectarines available, why the heck not? A benefit of living in Southern California, I suppose. I plan to swap out peaches for nectarines once they are in season.
And don't forget this super easy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette dressing to top it all off. I almost always prepare my own dressings, because store bought options usually contain preservatives, and industrialized seed oils (canola, vegetable, or soy for example) that are toxic to our bodies.
Unrefined extra virgin olive oil is a healthy oil/fat that is often used in quality salad dressings, and is the base for most of the dressings I make at home. Combine it will some type of vinegar, a citrus, a little honey, salt and pepper, and you've got yourself an easy and delicious dressing.
Servings: 2 salads or 1 extra-large salad
INGREDIENTS:
Nectarine Pasta Salad
1 C cooked fusilli pasta, GF
4 C greens (I used a combo of mixed greens and arugula)
2 fresh nectarines, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, sliced
1/2 C grape tomatos, halved
1/4 C walnuts, raw
1/2 C goat cheese (hold if dairy free)
S&P
Lemon Basil Vinaigrette dressing
1/2 C extra virgin olive oil, unrefined
1/4 C lemon juice
2 tsp honey
1 tsp dijon mustard
6-8 basil leaves, very finely chopped
METHOD
1. Cook pasta according to directions.
2. While pasta is cooking, slice the nectarines, chop the tomatoes and red onion.
3. Assemble the salad, adding all ingredients to a large bowl.
4. For the dressing, add all ingredients to a glass jar or small bowl and stir. Serve tossed or on the side.
NOTES:
If you are interested in improving your nutrition, please reach out! I help people maximize their health with nutrient-dense, whole food meal plans, by way of online consulting. You can contact me HERE.
If you make this recipe, I would love to see it! Please tag me on Insta @wholetosoulnutrition
In good health and food freedom,
Alyssa
Commenti