Spring is a great time to host brunches in the garden al
fresco style. It is a good time to gather with your friends and family and cook
together. As the weather transitions into warmer months, we want food that is
light and fresh. When you are entertaining a group and making food at the same
time, you need some easy ad quick recipes that you can prepare. Pasta salads
are a great way to feed a crowd and it makes for a satiating meal. Plus, you
can add lots of spring greens and vegetables in the dish. To add a healthy
touch to the meals, use Del Monte whole wheat pasta. Check out these
healthy pasta recipes for spring/summer luncheons:
Greek Pasta Salad
Cook wheat pasta and let it chill for 2-3 hours. In a large
mixing bowl, add olives, rocket leaves, sundried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes,
capers, roasted garlic, thyme, fresh basil, crumbled feta, cucumber, olive oil,
salt, pepper, and oregano. Add the cooked pasta and coat well with the
ingredients. Add the pasta in a bowl and garnish with fresh oregano.
Spaghetti in Basil Pesto
Cook some Del Monte durum wheat spaghetti in salted
boiling water. To make the basil pesto, blitz fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Del
Monte extra virgin olive-oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Add
the cooked spaghetti in a pasta bowl and coat with the basil pesto. Finish with
a grating of parmesan and freshly cracked pepper.
Spring Gnocchi
Gnocchi makes for such a delicious Italian treat. To make
this summer Gnocchi, start with boiling premade Gnocchi in salted boiling
water. In a pan, sauté some garlic in Del Monte olive oil. Add some basil pesto
and cherry tomatoes. Grate some parmesan cheese and garnish with basil leaves.
Farfalle with Peas in a Lemon Sauce
Cook Del Monte Farfalle pasta in salted boiling
water. Blanch the peas in the same water for 5 minutes. In a pan sauté some
garlic in olive oil. Add a handful of arugula leaves, salt, salt and pepper to
taste. Add the peas and drizzle the juice of 1 lemon. Add a knob of butter and
the cooked pasta. Tear some fresh feta cheese and scatter in the pasta. Garnish
with fresh mint leaves and serve warm.
Tricolour Spirali with Roasted Vegetables
Cook Del Monte Tricolour Spirali pasta in salted boiling
water. Drizzle some courgette, onions, broccoli, red bell peppers with Del
Monte extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast the veggies at 350 F
for 25-30 minutes. In a pan sauté some garlic in olive oil and add the roasted
veggies. Add a splash of lemon juice and the cooked pasta. Finish with a
grating of parmesan cheese.
These summer pasta recipes make for scrumptious meals for
all. To make these pasta dishes extra healthy, add a side of fresh summer
greens salad and a refreshing mocktail to go with it.
