New recipes to lighten to load of my recent and future rambling.

Pasta Salad

Pick your favorite pasta shape. Mine is either gigli or wacky mac for this recipe. Disguise high fiber or whole grain pasta with this delicious recipe. Check calories per serving. Average calorie content for 1/4 cup of this recipe is about 150. (Most serving size of pasta is 2/3 cup around 200 calories, but since pasta salad is more of a side, take less and enjoy!)

Cook 1/2 package pasta until soft. Strain. Rinse with cold water.

In a large bowl, mix:
1/4 cup FAT FREE Miracle Whip
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp dry mustard powder OR 1 Tbsp prepared mustard
1 pkg Italian dressing dry mix
2 Tbs Cavendar's Greek seasoning
1/4 c peas
1/4 c mushrooms
1/4 c chopped carrot
1/2 can olives (whole can if you buy pre-sliced)
1/2 yellow bell pepper*
3/4 orange bell pepper*
1/2 chopped tomato
Add other veggies to your desire (celery, chopped cucumber, etc. NEVER use corn) but remember that certain additions add calories. Mix pasta into bowl and chill for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving. Fluff at the last minute. Makes 8-10 servings.

*substitute either bell pepper for red for a bit more bite.

Strawberry Salad

2 cups baby spinach, rinsed
1 cup strawberries, sliced

Dressing
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup strawberries

Puree strawberries and blend with rice wine vinegar. Toss with spinach and strawberries.

1/2 cup of this salad can be counted as free. Calories per 1/2 cup - about 50 calories.