May 26, 2009

Summer Pasta Salad with Baby Greens




A cold summer pasta salad with peppery arugula, capers, extra virgin olive oil and a splash of balsamic. The perfect pasta salad for a light summer meal. Serve this for lunch, or as a side dish at your next backyard get together.

Use quality ingredients for best results!

Summer Pasta Salad with Baby Greens
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 5 Size: 1 cup Old Points: 5 pts Points+: 8 pts
Calories: 218.4 • Fat: 12.6 g • Protein: 7.7 g • Carb: 45.6 g • Fiber: 6.7 g • Sugar: 2.8 g
Sodium 253.5 mg (without adding salt)


Ingredients:
  • 5 oz baby arugula and baby spinach mix
  • 10 oz high fiber or whole wheat pasta (I used Smart Taste)
  • 1/4 cup capers, drained
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp freshly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano

Directions:
    Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. When done, drain and rinse under cold water.

    In a large bowl, combine pasta, arugula, spinach, capers, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Toss well. Top with shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.
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    21 comments:

    1. This looks delicious! I'm definitely snagging this recipe to try next week!

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    2. Looks awesome! As usual can't wait to try it :)

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    3. Can't Wait To Try. Think I might even add some fresh mushrooms as an extra "filler".

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    4. Sure, sliced grape tomatoes are a great addition too.

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    5. Beautiful salad for summer! Thank you.

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    6. I love arugula- looks fantastic with the pasta!

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    7. I'm going to my first WW meeting tonight! I have all the veggies in the world because I run a CSA! I had an illness that packed on 50lbs so time to get back into shape. I have a daughter that is 100 lbs overweight, please pray she goes with me tonight! She loves to cook so hopefully your site will encourage her.

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    8. Whats a CSA? Good luck, I really hope she goes with you. It would be great support for you both to do this together.

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    9. Although I've loved 99.9% of what I've made from your site, I admit that I was skeptical about this one. Boy was I wrong! It was even more delicious than it was easy. I'm glad I waited until I had arugula, though, as it wouldn't have been the same without the bite of the greens.

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    10. I LOVEEEE this salad! The arugula really does makes it. So happy you enjoyed it!!

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    11. What would the points be with PointsPlus?

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    12. This is a unique and wonderful approach to pasta salad! It was delicious fresh, but don't try to keep leftovers. The arugula wilted and took on a slimy texture I can't handle. Still, I'll make it again!

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    13. Oh yes, this should be eaten at once!

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    14. This was so wonderful and easy, and hearty enough for a main course! It'll definitely be a go-to for me in the future. I used Pecorino Romano instead (since that's what I had in the fridge) and it was delicious. Thanks for this!

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    15. I love this one too! I fell like this one is a hidden gem amongst all my recipes. :)

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    16. Just made this today...SO good!! I love your site!!

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    17. De Keimach6/5/12, 3:55 PM

      Beautiful! So happy to find summer salad options that aren't drowning in mayo : )

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    18. Gina, this looks delicious but out of my own ignorance what exactly is a caper? Is it something I could leave out or substitute with something else? I'm a huge fan of the site, keep the veggie recipes coming! : )

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    19. Just made this with dinner tonight. Added grape tomatoes as you suggested. So yum!!! Thanks!

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    20. This recipe is so perfect! It's light and summery but it has so much flavor! Love it-thank you for all your awesome recipes. :)

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    21. Gina, did anyone ever respond to you about what a CSA is? The acronym stands for Community Supported Agriculture and is basically a weekly installment of fresh produce from a farm local to your area! From my experience, I've found that you sign up by season (I'm currently admist the "summer" season which goes from early May to just after Thanksgiving) and there are two options for the size of your produce shipment. You should definitely look into it!

      In other news, thank you so much for all the great recipes and inspiration!

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