Healthy Harvest Grain Pasta Salad
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: June 3, 2012

This harvest grain pasta salad is a healthy summer side dish.  A blend of grains is tossed with fresh vegetables and a basil-balsamic vinaigrette.  This recipe recommends using Trader Joe's harvest grain pasta blend but feel free to use whatever blend you like.  This can also be made with just pasta or just quinoa.  This harvest grain pasta salad is  a great way to use up leftover veggies or for outdoor eating.  
Harvest Grain Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
16 ounces Trader Joe’s Harvest Grain Blend or orzo, cooked according to package directions
	1 medium zucchini, chopped into small pieces
	2 cups tomato, chopped in small pieces
	1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
	2 cloves garlic, minced
	1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
	2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
	1/2 cup basil, sliced into small ribbons
	1/4 cup pepitas, toasted
	1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Preparation:
Cook pasta according to package directions and allow to cool.
Combine zucchini, tomatoes and red onion.
Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and basil in a bowl and then toss with pasta.
Combine pasta and vegetables, then add pepitas and Parmesan cheese.
Chill for 30 minutes and serve.