Side Dish: Whole Wheat Gemelli Pasta Salad

A low fructose, tasty pasta salad using organic whole wheat gemelli pasta, black beans, and fresh vegetables.

Prep Time: 60 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 70 mins

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups dry organic whole wheat gemelli
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 second spray olive oil
1 cup black beans
1/3 cup sweet bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain but do not rinse. Lightly spray drained pasta while still hot with olive oil spray, toss and spray again. Toss to coat all the pasta. Allow to cool to room temperature, 15-30 minutes.

2. While pasta is cooling, chop bell pepper (use red, yellow, and/or orange sweet bell pepper) and celery. Drain black beans.

3. When pasta is cooled, pour into mixing bowl and add the chopped bell pepper, celery, black beans and mayonnaise.

4. Add Cajun seasoning to taste. Stir well, coating all pasta and vegetables with mayonnaise.

5. Pour into covered container and refrigerate until well chilled.

6. Note: diced cooked chicken can be added. Immediately before serving add sliced avocado and/or finely shredded Mozzarella cheese.