Servings: 12

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup Fat-Free Mayonnaise or Salad Dressing
• 1/3 cup Lemon Juice
• 2 Tbs Sugar
• 2 Tbs Dijon Mustard
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Fresh Basil, chopped
• 12 oz Bow-Tie Pasta, cooked al dente and drained
• 1 cup Carrots, sliced
• 1 cup Green Onions, sliced
• 1 cup Yellow Squash, sliced
• 1 cup Red Bell Pepper, chopped
• 1 cup Green Bell Pepper, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, mustard, salt, and basil in a bowl and mix well.
2. Stir in the cooked pasta and vegetables.
3. Cover the bowl and chill the mixture for 4 hours.
4. Serve the pasta salad in bowls or on lettuce or cabbage leaves.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 150
• Fat: Trace
• Sodium: 520mg
• Cholesterol: None

This dish is a refreshing and flavorful pasta salad that combines a variety of vegetables with a tangy dressing. Here’s some more information about the dish:

• Fat-Free Mayonnaise or Salad Dressing: The recipe gives you the option to use either fat-free mayonnaise or salad dressing as the base for the dressing. This choice helps keep the dish lighter and healthier.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the dressing, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar is used to balance the tanginess of the lemon juice and mustard, providing a touch of sweetness to the dish.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard brings a slight spiciness and depth of flavor to the dressing, complementing the other ingredients.
• Salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors in the dish and bringing everything together.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a fragrant and herbaceous note to the dressing, enhancing the overall freshness of the salad.
• Bow-Tie Pasta: This recipe specifically calls for bow-tie pasta, also known as farfalle, which has a unique shape resembling little butterflies. The pasta is cooked al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it, ensuring it holds up well in the salad.
• Vegetables: This pasta salad is packed with colorful and nutritious vegetables. It includes carrots, green onions, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. These vegetables provide a variety of textures and flavors, as well as a vibrant appearance.
• Procedure: The dish is prepared by first mixing the mayonnaise (or salad dressing), lemon juice, sugar, mustard, salt, and basil together to create a creamy and tangy dressing. The cooked pasta and sliced vegetables are then added to the dressing and mixed until well-coated. The salad is then chilled in the refrigerator for about 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Serving: The pasta salad can be served in bowls or on lettuce or cabbage leaves for added presentation. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a light and satisfying main course.
• Nutritional Information: Each serving of this pasta salad contains approximately 150 calories and has minimal fat. It is also relatively low in sodium and cholesterol-free, making it a healthier option.

Overall, this pasta salad is a versatile and nutritious dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing meal during hot summer days. It offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, providing a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience.