January 05, 2011
Kitchen Resolution…Keeping it Fresh
Happy 2011 everyone! A new year = a fresh start and a new beginning. For 2011, my kitchen resolution is using one of these words too…FRESH. My goal this year is to try to buy the freshest ingredients available and preparing them in a way that is simple yet inspired, allowing for those fresh ingredients to shine. Most of the foods on my grocery list are usually fresh foods, but I do use some convenience foods like frozen fruit and vegetable and canned tomatoes, but this year I’m going to try to buy ingredients as close to their original state as possible. Fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and lean all-natural proteins. My whole thought around this resolution is knowing exactly what is in my family’s food and being able to relish that I’m serving them the freshest and healthiest food possible. As a busy working mom, I assure you that you don’t need to be super woman to make fabulous fresh food.
Here is one of my favorite fast, easy and super fresh pasta salads. Perfect for a side dish or a main dish and is packed with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Fresh and Simple Pasta Salad
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon organic cane sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 pound whole wheat pasta, such as penne or fusilli
- 12 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, shallt, garlic, thyme, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes, yellow pepper, and lemon zest and gently toss. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and run cold water over pasta to stop the cooking. Set pasta aside and let cool slightly. Add the pasta to the the large bowl with marinated tomatoes and yellow bell peppers and gently toss. Stir in mozzarella, spinach, and basil (and chicken if using) until well combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.Happy New Years everyone! Here's to a healthy and fresh 2011!
