Fasta Pasta 

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Serves: 4 person(s)

Preparation Time: 20 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins

This cool taste of Italy is a nice change from traditional pasta salads.
Per serving: 201 calories, 4g fat and 33g carbs
Saves: 263 calories, 18g fat and 27g carbs!

Suggestions:

This recipe can be served immediately or made in advance and refrigerated.

Ingredients:

Pasta salads can be loaded with oodles of fat and calories. Our makeover recipe replaces the high fat salad dressing with a smaller amount of low-fat dressing. We've also added color, fiber and nutrients with increased vegetables and fresh herbs.

To learn more about recipe makeovers see CalorieKing's library article "Smart Substitutes: Your Guide to Low-Calorie Cooking Alternatives".

Recipe Makeover
1 1/2 cup uncooked spiral pasta 1 1/2 cup sliced and halved zucchini squash 4 plum tomatoes, sliced 1 cup sliced mushrooms 2 Tbsp chopped onion 1/2 cup lowfat Italian salad dressing 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil 1 Tbsp crumbled blue cheese 1 pinch of black pepper

Traditional Recipe
1 1/2 cup uncooked elbow macaroni 3 hard boiled eggs, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped 1 small bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 1/2 Tbsp pickle relish 1 1/2 cup regular Miracle Whip salad dressing (or equivalent) 3 Tbsp mustard 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions:

RECIPE MAKEOVER:

Cook pasta according to directions or until tender (about 8 to 10 minutes). Drain, rinse with cold water and drain again.

Place zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms and onion in large bowl. Add pasta and mix gently.

Combine remaining ingredients in a blender. Pour over salad. Toss gently.

Variations:

For more color use spiral vegetable pasta.

Author:

Recipe Makeover by Family Health Network