Arugula is called rocket in many parts of Europe because of its spicy taste! We love to use it in a pasta salad because its a great contrast to the bland taste of pasta, and we are ramping up the veggies by adding it to the salad. Easy to find in most grocery stores, arugula is a good source of vitamins that promote eye health. We are using the spicy arugula and another spicy ingredient – Radishes to take the place of onions in this salad and give it lots of zip. Basil is the final garnish for the salad, bringing flavors of the Mediterranean to the salad. Basil is a very healthy herb for you to add to your salad because it contains disease-fighting antioxidants as well as acts as an anti-inflammatory. Basil also has antimicrobial properties that fight viruses and Infections. Herbs are a great way to add zip to your food without lots of high fat, high calorie ingredients.
VINAIGRETTE:
3 TB Apple Cider vinegar
1/2 TB Dijon Mustard
½ Tsp Smoked Paprika
1/2 Tsp EACH Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
SALAD:
1 Container (5 OZ) Arugula
16 OZ FUN! Pasta Shape, (whole wheat if possible) cooked as package directs
1 Cup Pitted Kalamata olives, halved
1 Pint Grape Tomatoes, quartered
1 Cup Sliced or Chopped Radishes
1 Cup Crumbled Feta Cheese
Julienned Basil
Step One
For the vinaigrette, whisk together the vinegar and mustard in a small bowl; season with the salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in the olive oil slowly; set aside.
Step Two
Toss together the arugula, pasta, olives, tomatoes, radishes and goat cheese together in a large bowl; add half of the vinaigrette. Toss, adding more vinaigrette as desired. Garnish with Basil.