Healthy Pumpkin Seed Pesto Pasta

Earlier this week I shared my Healthy Guilt Free Greek Pasta Salad  that was a HUGE hit in the house. So much so that they asked that I make it again. It kept great overnight in the fridge so it is a new favorite for picnics and lunches to our outdoor events, and for my husbands lunch at work. I use meal prep containers. You can make a double batch ahead of time when company comes. This would also be great to bring to potlucks or tailgates. Balance the fun out with some healthy yummy options.

Since the Penne Cauliflower Pasta was so great...I wanted to work more with this brand. As a reminder Veggiecraft Cauliflower pasta only has 3 ingredients:

Cauliflower - Which is full of fiber, plant-based protein, and vitamins including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and omega-3s, but it is low in carbs, sodium, and sugar as well.

Lentils - Packed with energy-sustaining plant-based proteins, lentils are a great source of folate and magnesium, which contribute to heart health and lower cholesterol. They are also full of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and stabilizes blood sugar, in addition to being low in calories and fat.

Peas - A great source of vitamin A which aids in eye health. They contain high levels of iron, fiber, and plant-based protein in addition to being low carb. Peas are also rich in antioxidants and maintain a low glycemic index, which controls blood sugar levels.

That is it. That's ALL that is in this pasta. 

It is

High Protein

Gluten-Free

Non-GMO

Dairy Free

Vegan ( although this recipe has cheese you can easily sub for nut cheese)

So yeah... since it was amazing I wanted more. Tonight I decided to work with the Spaghetti Cauliflower Pasta tonight. I have been craving Pesto. It is one way I LOVE to get in my greens. Tastes so good I never realize its full of veggies. You can use Pine nuts, or walnuts in place of pumpkin seeds if you wish. I have a sensitivity to some pine nuts so I just steer clear of them when I can. I love Pumpkin seeds and they are so good for you so that is why I chose them.

Healthy Pumpkin Seed Pesto Pasta

For the Pesto:

3/4 cup pumpkin seeds (shelled, roasted)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
2 cloves garlic
3/4 cup fresh basil leaves
3/4 cup fresh spinach

1/4 cup fresh parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
Pink Himalayan Salt to taste

Add 1/2 cup of the pumpkin seeds (reserve the other 1/4 cup for topping) along with the rest of the ingredients to a blender or food processor and process until fully incorporated. It will look like green wet sand when done. Set aside. This can be put in a jar in the fridge if you want to use at a future date.

1 lb chicken sausage (optional)

1 8 oz package of Pasta

Cook pasta according to directions.

Cook sausage. I made mini meatballs with mine by rolling before cooking. I didn't eat mine with meat, I ate it with just the pine nuts. Husband LOVES his meat so I cooked it up for him. You can add whatever protein you like, or if using the HIGH PROTEIN Pasta You can leave it as is. Since it has 23 grams of protein already!

Add Pesto you made to the pasta and stir until the pasta is fully coated. 

Add protein if you desire. Top with toasted Pumpkin Seeds and serve. 

It is good hot or cold.

Greek Pasta Salad

Who doesn't like pasta? I love it, but traditional pasta doesn't love me. Makes me bloat and adds little to NO nutritional value. I am all about making every ingredient count, that is why I was so stoked to find Cauliflower pasta that indeed was HEALTHY!

Only 3 ingredients:

Cauliflower - Which is full of fiber, plant-based protein, and vitamins including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and omega-3s, but it is low in carbs, sodium, and sugar as well.

Lentils - Packed with energy-sustaining plant-based proteins, lentils are a great source of folate and magnesium, which contribute to heart health and lower cholesterol. They are also full of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and stabilizes blood sugar, in addition to being low in calories and fat.

Peas - A great source of vitamin A which aids in eye health. They contain high levels of iron, fiber, and plant-based protein in addition to being low carb. Peas are also rich in antioxidants and maintain a low glycemic index, which controls blood sugar levels. 

That is it. That's ALL that is in this pasta. 

It is

High Protein

Gluten-Free

Non-GMO

Dairy Free

Vegan ( although this recipe has cheese you can easily sub for nut cheese)

SO EAT UP! 

Get your Cauliflower High Protein Healthy Pasta Here

I have been craving all things Greek lately, so I decided to whip up a Greek Penne Pasta that is FULL of Veggies, and FANTASTIC for Summer days at the Beach, Park, etc... perfect for my adventurous life! This Greek pasta salad is a light and fresh combination of colorful veggies, olives, and feta cheese.

Try it and let me know what you think!

Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
Makes 4 Servings 

8 ounces dry Penne pasta
1 1/2 cups cucumber diced
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
1/4 cup red onion minced
1 green bell pepper diced
1/3 cup kalamata olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese plus more for garnish
1/4 cup chopped parsley plus more for garnish
5 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Prepare the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Strain.

Place the cucumbers, tomatoes, pepper, red onion, olives, parsley and feta cheese in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Add the pasta to the bowl with the vegetables.

Pour the dressing over the top and toss to coat thoroughly. Serve, sprinkled with more parsley and feta cheese if desired.