Chicken Pasta Salad

Several months ago I purchased a book called Food Cures. It lists out several ailments a person might have, and then details all the foods you should eat (and those you should avoid) to help with the health issues. It is an intriguing book that really focuses on the healing powers of food and your diet. There are also about 50 different recipes provided for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snacks. I have slowly been cooking my way through the book and have been loving the recipes! Most of them are practical, easy and surprisingly tasty! Recently I was craving something comforting (but still healthy) and I found this recipe. It proved to be just that and was even good as we ate it for leftovers through the week!

Chicken Pasta Salad
- 6 oz whole wheat pasta (I used shells)
- 2 tablespoons canola mayo
- 2 tablespoons low-fat plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4-1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped (or halved)
- 2 cups arugula

Cook the pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, in a large bowl whisk together the mayo, yogurt, vinegar, cheese and garlic. Add the chicken, tomatoes, olives and arugula and toss gently to coat. When the pasta has drained, let it cool slightly then gently toss with chicken mixture. Chill and serve.

This is a great addition to any summer cookout or luncheon. It's a much healthier pasta salad option with whole-wheat pasta and nutrient dense tomatoes, arugula and garlic.

Happy Eating!

Banana and Chocolate Quesadilla

I have never had much of a sweet tooth. I usually prefer something salty, cheesy or crunchy. However, I am human and do crave something sweet and chocolaty from time to time. The other night I wanted something warm and sweet so I took a Paula Dean recipe I found and figured out how to make it healthier (start by cutting all that butter out! haha). It is so easy and it turned out to be delicious, healthy and inexpensive so I had to share!


Banana and Chocolate Quesadilla 
- 1 Banana, sliced in rounds
- 2 whole wheat tortilla's
- a handful of chocolate chips (go with dark chocolate - at least 65% cocoa to get the
best antioxidant boost)
- about 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- about a tablespoon cinnamon
- about 1.5 tablespoons butter
- vanilla frozen yogurt

Start by melting half the butter in a skillet and sprinkle in some cinnamon. Lay one tortilla down and lay the banana slices on the tortilla. Top with brown sugar, chocolate chips and cinnamon. Top with second tortilla and cook until the chocolate melts. Put remaining butter and cinnamon in the pan as you flip the tortilla. cook until crispy. Serve with a scoop of frozen yogurt and enjoy!
This dessert was so good and full of nutrients in the tortilla's, banana's, chocolate and the yogurt!

Happy Eating!