Quinoa Pasta-less "Pasta Salad"

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Nutritional Info

Servings Per Recipe: 10
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 209.8

Total Fat: 9.6 g
Cholesterol: 17.3 mg
Sodium: 299.2 mg
Total Carbs: 23.0 g
Dietary Fiber: 2.6 g
Protein: 8.1 g

View full nutritional breakdown of Quinoa Pasta-less "Pasta Salad" calories by ingredient

Introduction

My family loves pasta salad for picnics. Since I haven't been eating pasta as part of my diet, I would just make it and do without. Well, for Labor Day, I realized I didn't have pasta and decided to use some quinoa I had in the pantry. This is tasty, nutty and HEALTHY!! Your family will most likely NOT miss their pasta. Add green and red pepper, chopped onion, small diced broccolli and cauliflower, cucumber and any garden fresh veggie to make even better! My family loves pasta salad for picnics. Since I haven't been eating pasta as part of my diet, I would just make it and do without. Well, for Labor Day, I realized I didn't have pasta and decided to use some quinoa I had in the pantry. This is tasty, nutty and HEALTHY!! Your family will most likely NOT miss their pasta. Add green and red pepper, chopped onion, small diced broccolli and cauliflower, cucumber and any garden fresh veggie to make even better!

Minutes to Prepare: 25

Minutes to Cook: 10

Number of Servings: 10

Ingredients

1 cup dry quinoa (rinsed if not already done by manufacturer)

2 cups water

1 cup cherry tomatoes halved

1/4 cup green olives, sliced in half

4 oz cheddar or mozarrella cheese cut in small cubes

1.5 oz pepperoni cut in quarters (this is one sleeve from a small 3 oz package of sliced pepperoni) - turkey pepperoni would work well too.

1/3 cup Light Italian Dressing

Directions

Make quinoa according to package directions on stove top or microwave and let cool a bit. Transfer to serving dish and add remaining ingredients and toss.
Refrigerate until flavors meld and it is cool (about 3 or 4 hours).
*bring calories down with 2% cheese, turkey pepperoni and fat free dressing.

Number of Servings: 10

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user JOEKNEE.