Rotini with Honey Ginger Mixed Greens
* Makes 4 servings (each serving is about 1 3/4 cup)
This cold pasta salad is colourful and full of flavour – easy enough to enjoy any day of the week and yet sophisticated enough to serve to guests. Dark leafy greens, combined with vitamin E-rich almonds and sunflower seeds, make it an especially nutritious salad too. Try it today – you’ll be glad you did.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients
3 cups (750 mL) whole wheat rotini pasta
1/2 cup (125 mL) assorted dried fruit such as cranberries, blueberries, raisins and currants
3 tbsp (45 mL) fresh orange juice
2 tbsp (30 mL) white wine vinegar
2 tbsp (30 mL) very finely chopped shallot
1 tbsp (15 mL) each minced fresh ginger and honey
1 tsp (5 mL) finely grated orange zest and Dijon mustard
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup (50 mL) canola oil
4 cups (1 L) mixed baby leafy greens, lightly packed
1/4 cup (50 mL) each toasted slivered almonds and unsalted roasted sunflower seeds
Directions:
1. Cook rotini according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold running water until cool; drain well and reserve. Meanwhile, place the dried fruit in a heat-proof bowl. Pour boiling water over top and let stand for 5 minutes. Drain well and reserve fruit.
2. Whisk the orange juice with the vinegar, shallot, ginger, honey, orange zest, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper. Whisking constantly, drizzle in the olive oil.
3. Toss the rotini with the leafy greens, reserved dried fruit, almonds and sunflower seeds. Add dressing and toss to coat.
Tips: For extra flavour, use a salad blend that includes fresh herbs as well as leafy greens. If making ahead, hold back a little dressing to moisten salad just before serving.
Notes: Dried blueberries can often be found in the produce department or at bulk food stores.
Per Serving: 444 calories, 20 g fat, 1.6 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 205 mg sodium, 61 g carbohydrates, 8 g fibre, 10 g protein. Excellent source of vitamin A, folate, thiamin and iron. Good source of vitamin C.
