Sometimes you just need a little pasta to go with that sandwich for lunch.  I use whole grain pasta when possible, just so I can make a "healthy" choice. Having said that, I usually choose regular macaroni pasta for Mac n' Cheese. (Why change a classic comfort food!) But that's another story. let's get to a recipe that is easy and colorful:

Chilled Rotini Pasta Salad

                                           

                            2 cups whole grain Rotini pasta (Rotini looks like little twists.)

                            (Fusilli can be a substitute.)    

                            1/2 cup (med/large) green bell pepper, diced

                            1/2 cup (med/large) red bell pepper, diced

                            1/2 cup (medium) carrot, diced OR shredded

                            1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed  

                            3/4 cup (large) tomato, diced

                            1/2 bottle (half of a 16 oz. bottle) Fat Free OR Lite Italian Dressing

                            Pepper to taste 

                            1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

                            1 packet Splenda or Truvia sugar substitute

        

                           

                            1.  Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse in cold water.
                            2.  Dice green and red bell peppers.

                            3.  Dice or shred carrots.
                            4.  Thaw corn and set aside.
                            5.  Dice tomato. 

                            6.  Add veggies to cooked pasta in large bowl.
                            7.  Pour Italian dressing over top.

                            8.  Add pepper, sugar substitute, and thyme.
                            9.  Mix all ingredients and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

 

I have to say, this is easy and taste good too.  I love recipes you can make your own just by changing a few ingredients.  So go ahead, add diced onion or garlic.  Add different herbs like basil or parsley.  ENJOY!