Recipe: Pasta Salad Nicoise

Pasta Salad Nicoise

This makes a nice lunch menu with fresh fruit and a whole wheat roll. This is also a good salad recipe for a picnic lunch.

1/4 cup fat free, cholesterol free Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, crushed
2 cups shell macaroni, cooked and drained
1 can (6-oz) water-packed albacore tuna, drained and flaked
3/4 cup fresh tomato, diced
1/2 medium California avocado, diced
1/4 cup fresh red onion, thinly sliced
2 large black olives, sliced
4 leaves green leaf lettuce

In a small bowl combine dressing, basil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

In a large bowl combine macaroni, albacore, tomato, avocado, and red onion. Add dressing and toss.

Line four plates with lettuce leaves, spoon on salad, and garnish with olive slices.

Servings: 4
Source: California Avocado Commission