Lunch: Pasta Salad with Roasted Broccoli

A high proportion of vegetables turns this pasta salad into a light, nutritious meal.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Broccoli, Lemon, Nuts, Walnuts

Health and fertility benefits of Pasta Salad with Roasted Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the non-starchy vegetables that has a very low glycemic index (GI), which is beneficial for reducing blood sugar levels. Broccoli is also a source of DIM (Diindolymethane). Diindolymethane is very effective in reducing the testosterone levels in the body, an action that would automatically curb male dominant features and regulate the estrogen levels in the system. 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. 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.

Ingredients

2 lb. broccoli
3 clove garlic
2 tbsp. olive oil
Coarse salt
ground pepper
8 oz. penne pasta
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
8 oz. jarred roasted red peppers
1/4 c. pitted kalamata olives
1/2 c. walnuts

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Trim 1 inch from stems of broccoli. Peel outer layer of stems; cut diagonally into 1/2-inch slices. Separate florets into bite-size pieces. On one large or two small rimmed baking sheets, toss broccoli, garlic, and 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper. Spread in a single layer; roast, rotating sheets and turning broccoli halfway through, until tender and beginning to brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, according to package instructions. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water; rinse under cold water until cool, and drain. Return to pot.
Remove skin from roasted garlic. In a small bowl, mash garlic until it forms a paste; whisk in lemon juice and remaining tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper. Pour mixture over pasta; toss in broccoli, red peppers, olives, and walnuts. Add some reserved cooking water, if needed. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Looking for more healthy recipes? Check out our collections of low-fat recipes, healthy recipes for the whole day, and vegan recipes.

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