Lunch: Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Arugula, Pine Nuts and Herbs

Recipe By: Melissa Rubel This pasta salad is basic enough that you can have it often without tiring of it.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Lemon, Nuts, Basil

Health and fertility benefits of Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Arugula, Pine Nuts and Herbs

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity. Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

1/4 c. plus 3 tablespoons pine nuts
1 lb. fusilli pasta
1/2 c. Cilantro leaves
1/2 c. basil leaves
2 tsp. coarsely chopped oregano
1 clove garlic
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 1/2 c. baby arugula
1 1/4 c. grape tomatoes
1/2 red onion

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a pie plate, toast 3 tablespoons of the pine nuts until light golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fusilli until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water, then drain again; transfer to a large bowl.
Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the cilantro, basil, oregano and garlic and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice and the remaining 1/4 cup of pine nuts and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss the fusilli with the toasted pine nuts, arugula, tomatoes, red onion and the herb dressing. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

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