Bowtie Salad Primavera with Fresh Basil and Toasted Pine Nuts

A refreshing, delicious, healthy salad, what more could you want??

1 lb Bowtie pasta

1-15oz can Diced tomatoes with garlic

2 Small zucchinis, sliced

1-2.5 oz can Sliced black olives, drained

1/2 c Sliced green onions

1/2 c Light balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing

1/2 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes

2 c Baby spinach, slightly chopped

1/2 c Fresh basil, chopped

1/3 c Toasted pine nuts

1/4 c Grated parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions until tender, but firm.  Drain.  Toss pasta with tomatoes, zucchini, olives, green onions, vinaigrette and red pepper flakes.  Cover and chill*, if desired for up to 24 hours.  Just before serving, add spinach and basil; toss gently.  Top with pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.

Serves 6.  Per approximate 1 3/4 c serving:  400 calories, 8 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 600 mg sodium, 69 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 14 g protein.

*If eating immediately, chill ingredients ahead of assembly.  May add canned salmon, tuna or shredded chicken if desired

Recipe from Mealtime.org

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