With spring around the corner it’s always nice to start making some fresh and healthy dishes to get into the season. This recipe is perfect to get you in the spring mood and excellent for a little snack, served with dinner, or to bring as a yummy dish to pass at any get together. When making it, keep a few things in mind: Instead of using the more frequently used processed pasta, try using whole-wheat pasta. It is higher in natural nutrients, contains more fiber, and also tends to have a lower glycemic index, meaning that it will not raise your insulin level as quickly as white pasta. Whole-wheat pasta is also better for you as it contains the entire grain which contains vitamins and minerals. Most people think that pasta, being a carbohydrate, is nothing but bad for their diet but this is a misconception. Pasta is not necessarily fattening if consumed in moderation. It is made from whole grain, which is actually a food that is naturally low in fat, and is not a bad food choice.

In this recipe there are also many healthy green vegetables, such as green peas, celery, and green peppers. It is likely that by eating a serving of this salad you will get in a full serving of vegetables! A diet rich in vegetables can have numerous health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease, digestive problems, some cancers, and stroke.

Take celery for an example. Celery is a great choice for a snack or for chopping up and adding to any salad. It contains a large amount of vitamin C, which functions as an anti-oxidant. Antioxidants are beneficial to you, because they help prevent free radical damage, which start the inflammatory process. They reduce the severity of many inflammatory conditions, such asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.  Vitamin C also helps support the immune system, so by eating Vitamin C-rich foods like celery you might be able to reduce cold symptoms. Most people just hit the Vitamin C when they feel like they are starting to get a cold, but even eating healthy foods that contain it can be beneficial to your health.

For an easy and fun salad to make check out the recipe below!

Chicken Pasta Salad

• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• ¾ cup chopped green pepper
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 pinch dried basil
• salt and pepper (optional)
• 1 pinch garlic powder
• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast
• 2 cups whole wheat pasta
• 1 cup light miracle whip or light mayonnaise

1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook chicken until no longer pink. Once fully cooked chop up the chicken into strips and then into finer pieces.
2. In a medium pot with boiling water cook whole wheat pasta, drain it, and rinse under cold water.
3. Then in a large bowl mix together the cooked chicken, the chopped up vegetables, and light miracle whip or light mayonnaise. Add in the basil, pepper, salt, and garlic powder to taste.
4. Add drained whole wheat pasta to chicken mixture and continue to mix everything together.
5. Refrigerate for several hours before serving.

You can really make this salad your own and change it a little each time you make it by adding in more vegetables. So feel free when you make it to add in the vegetables you enjoy. Some great vegetables to add in are chopped cucumbers, sliced carrots, and broccoli. Be as creative as you like!