Wholesome Fall Recipes: Veggie Pasta Salad & Quick Apple Snack to Keep You Energized

Eating healthy in the fall is easy with the abundance of seasonal produce. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots, along with apples and pears, provide delicious and nutritious options. Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts and broccoli add flavor and nutrients, making autumn a great time to enjoy wholesome, balanced meals.

VEGGIE FUSION PASTA SALAD
Prep time: 20 minutes. Cooking time: 15 minutes. Serves: 6

SALAD:
2 cups pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne work well)
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cauliflower florets
5 radishes, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, diced or sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup black or green olives, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or dill), chopped (optional)

DRESSING:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, blanch the broccoli and cauliflower florets by briefly boiling them in water for 1-2 minutes until just tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool, then drain and set aside.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli and cauliflower, sliced radishes, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion (if using).

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Serve and Enjoy!

Hint: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.

Note: This salad can be enjoyed as a light meal or as a side dish. You can also add other ingredients like cheese (feta, mozzarella, or Parmesan) or proteins (grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu) to make it more substantial.

Note: This recipe is versatile, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities according to your taste preferences.

SUPER QUICK HEALTHY SNACK
Prep time: 10 minutes. Serves: 1
2 apples (your choice), peeled and quartered
2 ribs of celery, chopped in chunks
4 medjool dates or to taste
¼ cup coconut or almond milk
1 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
½ tsp. cinnamon, optional
Few ice cubes for a colder snack

Place all ingredients in a Vitamix or blender. Blend on low to get it going and then turn up the speed. Don’t over blend!

This is a delicious snack and will keep the hunger pangs away and the doctor “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”

Hint: Add more milk and make it into a smoothie or less and make it thicker.

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