As if our latest collection of Labor Day recipes wasn’t enough, here’s another great salad that is sure to please at picnics and barbecues!
Remember my amazing mother-in-law who brought me the beautiful golden grape tomatoes?? Well, this time she had a new, fun tomato surprise: itty, bitty red currant tomatoes.
Never heard of them??
I hadn’t either!
However, I can now tell you that I am absolutely beyond thrilled that she introduced us to them!! They have the perfect blend of sweet and tart all bundled up in a tiny, adorable red package.
NOM! NOM! NOM! 😉
Mediterranean Green Bean Pasta Salad
(Serves 6-8)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh or frozen green beans
- 16 oz. whole wheat penne pasta
- 14 oz. red currant tomatoes (or substitute with halved grape tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (make your own!)
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Romano cheese
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for sprinkling
- Sea salt, according to taste
- Pinch of crushed red pepper
- 20 Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
Boil the pasta in a large pot of water and/or yogurt whey. (I usually use half water and half whey; the whey adds extra nutrients and creaminess to the pasta!)
While the pasta cooks, steam the green beans until just tender.
When the pasta is al dente, drain it and allow it to cool.
Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, combine the Greek yogurt, cheese, lemon zest and juice, garlic, mint, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, green beans, and tomatoes. Stir in the yogurt mixture until everything is evenly coated.
Fold in the Kalamata olives.
Enjoy this nommy dish both at room temperature or chilled.
Special Price! - Virgin Coconut Oil, Gold Label - 2 pints - Buy 1 Get 1 FREE!
I made this! I have never had Kalamata olives and find them very nice. My 15 year old daughter did not like them though so for her I left them out. 🙂
Yay!! I’m so glad that you liked it — and the Kalamatas! My husband and I just LOVE the extra burst of flavor Kalamatas give just about any dish. However, I totally understand how kids and teens can be a little bit more picky about some foods…I’m glad she was able to enjoy it without them!
Excited to get started flonowilg your weekly meals! I’m always looking for healthy meal ideas that my kids will eat! We get stuck in meal rut and I tend to make many of the same things week after week. I’m super busy, and meal planning is always stressful. Having a list already prepared will be a great time saver for me! I also find labels misleading and hear different things about what is really healthy , so I truly value your knowledge and input!!! Great Job!