Lunch: End-of-Summer Pesto Pasta Salad in a Jar

Recipe by Lindsay Funston A simple penne pasta tossed with pesto, tomatoes, and feta is a delish way to ring in football while saying farewell to summer.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Nuts, Walnuts, Basil

Health and fertility benefits of End-of-Summer Pesto Pasta Salad in a Jar

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. Walnuts are low on the glycemic index. What’s more, they also lower the glycemic index of other foods that you eat in conjunction with these nuts. Any kind of nuts provide a healthy source of fat and a great way to encourage PCOS weight loss. Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

kosher salt
1 lb. penne
2 c. fresh basil leaves
1/3 c. raw walnuts, toasted
1/3 c. grated Parmesan
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
1 pt. grape or cherry tomatoes, halved and quartered if large
1 c. crumbled feta, plus more for garnish

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted boiling water to a boil. Cook penne according to package directions, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and return to pot. 2. Meanwhile, make pesto: In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, blend basil, walnuts, Parmesan, and garlic. Slowly add olive oil in a steady stream. Season with salt. 3. Add pesto and 1/4 cup pasta water to pot, stirring until saucy and creamy. (Add more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.) Add tomatoes and feta and stir until combined. 4. Divide pasta among six mason jars and top with additional feta.

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