Dreamfields Pasta Recipes and Cooking Tips

Whether you are living low carb, looking for low glycemic food or simply looking for a great tasting pasta. We have fans that love Dreamfields for many different reasons. If you haven't tried Dreamfields Pasta yet, take a moment and read why these fans enjoy Dreamfields!

Jennifer learned about Dreamfields Pasta when her husband was diagnosed as a pre-diabetic. This is Jennifer's story:

My husband was diagnosed as pre-diabetic and we suddenly found ourselves on a long search for healthy and tasty treats. The key to controlling your sugar is carbohydrates and this pasta was the perfect answer. Upon first trying it, we both believed it was too good to be true. But upon checking his sugars before and after eating it, there is no change in his sugars! It is now a staple in our home and we use nothing else!!!! Of note, I work in a medical facility and tell all of our "diabetic" patients about this product

Kyle is one of our weekly Pasta Salad Extravaganza Winner! This must try recipe combines olives, fresh pesto, pine nuts, peas, tomatoes and Dreamfields Pasta! Try it as an accompaniment to any entree!

Pesto Pasta Salad
By Kyle H

Ingredients:

4 cups uncooked Dreamfields Rotini Pasta
1 cup fresh basil pesto
2 Tbsp chopped green olives, or olive tapenade
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted (or fresh if you can get them)
12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
Several fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
1 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to instructions on the package. Make sure the water is salted (at least a half teaspoon per quart). Remove pasta from heat and strain when pasta is cooked, but still firm (al dente).
2. Put pasta in a big bowl. Mix in fresh basil pesto, green olives, and pine nuts. Gently mix in cherry tomatoes, peas, fresh basil leaves and olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Chill or serve at room temperature.

For more healthy recipes please visit our website at http://www.dreamfieldsfoods.com/healthy-pasta-recipes.html.

We know it can be hard to find good recipes with high fiber foods and low carb ingredients, but don't worry we've got you covered! No need to search for a pasta salad recipe in that low carb cookbook, simply stay tuned to our blog all summer long to get great tasting and healthy pasta salad recipes!

Summer is a time for cookouts and no cookout is complete without a delicious pasta salad! This summer we are holding our Pasta Salad Extravaganza Contest to share the pasta salads our fans come up with! We hope you enjoy and use some of these recipes for some low carb meal ideas!

This week’s Pasta Salad recipe is a perfect combination of fresh veggies and herbs! Lori’s pasta salad is perfect for any summer get-together! Enjoy this recipe and stay tuned for next week’s winner!

Lori S. Hoffman-Goldberg
Green Bean, Chicken, Pasta, and Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

2 lb. green beans, trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, basil, or parsley
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
4 medium tomatoes, (about 1 lb.) cored, seeded, and chopped
2 cups Dreamfields Penne
2 cups chicken (grilled, sliced, and cooked)
salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add beans and bring to a boil. Cook until beans are bright green and just tender but not softened, about 3 minutes. Drain and rinse beans immediately under cold running water. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and gently pat dry.
2. Just before serving, combine herbs, vinegar and oil in a large bowl. Whisk well to blend ingredients. Add beans and tomatoes. Add cooked, cooled chicken (grilled). Drain pasta and cool slightly. Add pasta.
3. Season with salt and pepper and toss gently to combine. Serve at room temperature.

Dreamfields Pasta loves to share new and delicious recipes for our fans to try! Cooking low carb is one of our specialties. Search the best low carb recipes and rate your favorites at: http://www.dreamfieldsfoods.com/healthy-pasta-recipes.html.

The combination of delicious pasta and pork tenderloin is phenomenal!

Asian Pork & Pasta

From the kitchen of Dreamfields Pasta

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

1/2 box Dreamfields Angel Hair
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions, green part only
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 cup reduced-sodium, fat free chicken broth, vegetable broth or white wine
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided
1 pork tenderloin (about 1 pound), trimmed
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 teaspoons shredded fresh ginger
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons olive or peanut oil
1 cup snow peas, strings removed
1 cup bell pepper strips (about 1/4 inch thick)
1 cup coarsely shredded carrots

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; return to pan. Toss with green onions and sesame oil; set aside.
2. In small bowl, stir together broth and cornstarch until cornstarch is dissolved. Stir in 1 teaspoon soy sauce; set aside.
3. Cut pork into 1/4-inch thick slices. In small bowl, stir together hoisin sauce, shredded ginger, garlic and remaining 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Add pork; stir to coat completely. Set aside.
4. Heat olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add snow peas; cook and stir 1 minute. Add bell pepper and carrots; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove from skillet.
5. Add half of pork to same skillet; cook and stir 2 minutes, just until cooked through. Remove from skillet. Repeat with remaining pork. (If pork is sticking to pan, add additional oil, 1 teaspoon at a time.) Return cooked pork to skillet. Stir cornstarch mixture to combine. Add to pork. Cook and stir until thickened and clear. Return vegetables to skillet and heat through.
6. Serve pork and vegetables over pasta.

Makes 4-6 servings.

Nutrition information (1/4 of recipe): 390 calories; 30 g protein; 17 g digestible carbohydrates*; 10 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 61 mg cholesterol; 363 mg sodium; 7 g total dietary fiber.

*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 47 g carbohydrate. For more information go to www.DreamfieldsFoods.com.

Congratulations to Lorrraine for being our weekly Pasta Salad Extravaganza Winner!

We know it can be hard to find good recipes with high fiber foods and low carb ingredients, but don't worry we've got you covered! No need to search for a pasta salad recipe in that low carb cookbook, simply stay tuned to our blog all summer long to get great tasting and healthy pasta salad recipes!

Summer is a time for cookouts and no cookout is complete without a delicious pasta salad! This summer we are holding our Pasta Salad Extravaganza Contest to share the pasta salads our fans come up with! We hope you enjoy and use some of these recipes for some low carb meal ideas!

The winning pasta salad recipe this week is Pasta Primavera Salad! It’s so delicious! If you don’t like anchovies, try it without. Whether you are on a low carb diet or controlling diabetes you can make this recipe work for you!

Pasta Primavera Salad
Lorraine Williams

Ingredients:

8oz Dreamfields Penne
6oz jar marinated artichoke hearts
1 cup shelled cooked edamame beans
3/4 cup chopped red pepper
1/3 cup chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup olive oil
3 TBSP red wine vinegar
4 anchovies mashed
1-2 cloves of garlic minced
1/2 tsp. salt or to taste
1 tsp. crushed oregano or basil
1/4 tsp pepper or to taste
1/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Cook Dreamfields pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, drain artichoke hearts reserving 2 TBSP of the marinade.
3. Cut large artichokes in half.
4. Drain pasta and rinse well with cold water and drain again.
5. Place in large bowl.
6. Add artichokes, edamame beans, red pepper and onion.
7. In small bowl, combine oil, reserved artichoke marinade, vinegar, anchovies, garlic, salt and pepper.
8. Pour mixture over pasta and toss well.
9. Stir in cheese.
10. Adjust seasoning to taste.

ENJOY!

Dreamfields Pasta loves to share new and delicious recipes for our fans to try! Cooking low carb is one of our specialties. Search the best low carb recipes and rate your favorites at: http://www.dreamfieldsfoods.com/healthy-pasta-recipes.html.

This recipe is delicious with the perfect amount of spice to it! If you don’t like to cook with wine, you can substitute with a white grape juice.

Angel Hair con Tilapia

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes

Ingredients:

1 box Dreamfields Angel Hair
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped green onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 cup julienne or thickly shredded carrots
1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper
1 cup (8 ounces) marinara sauce
2 tablespoons sliced fresh basil
1 pound tilapia fillets (2 to 4 fillets)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

Directions:

1. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion, parsley, garlic and carrots; stir well. Add red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Continue cooking about 5 minutes, until onion is browned, stirring frequently. Add marinara sauce and fresh basil. Cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions.
3. Place tilapia fillets in skillet. Pour lemon juice and wine over fish. Cook 2 minutes; turn carefully with spatula. Continue cooking 2 minutes or until cooked through (fish flakes easily when tested with fork). Remove from heat. Remove fish from skillet. Cut into 1-inch wide pieces.
4. Drain pasta; toss pasta with sauce in skillet. Gently stir in fish. Top with Parmesan cheese and toasted almonds.

Makes 6 servings.

Note: To toast almonds, spread on rimmed baking pan. Place in 350°F oven 8 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven; cool completely.

Nutrition information (1/6 of recipe): 440 calories; 28 g protein; 16 g digestible carbohydrates*; 12 g total fat; 3 g saturated fat; 39 mg cholesterol; 325 mg sodium; 8 g total dietary fiber.

Dreamfields Pasta loves to share new and delicious recipes for all of our fans to try!

Cooking low carb is one of our specialties. For more recipes please visit our website at: http://www.dreamfieldsfoods.com/healthy-pasta-recipes.html.

You can search the best low carb recipes and rate your favorites!

Sesame-Soy Edamame & Pasta Salad

From the kitchen of Dreamfields Pasta

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 box Dreamfields Rotini
3 cups frozen shelled edamame
1 cup radishes, diced
1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro, stems removed, chopped
3 green onions, thinly sliced

Dressing:
3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
2 tablespoons pickled ginger, chopped
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced

Directions:

1. Prepare Dreamfields pasta according to package directions. With 3 minutes left to cook pasta, add edamame. Drain; rinse with cold water and drain again.
2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients; set aside.
3. In large bowl, toss pasta and edamame with radishes, cilantro and green onions. Add dressing; toss to coat.
4. Serve at room temperature or cover and refrigerate to chill.

Makes 10 side dish servings.

Nutrition information (1/10 of recipe): 240 calories; 11 g protein; 12 g digestible carbohydrates*; 7 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 183 mg sodium; 6 g total dietary fiber.

Dreamfields realizes you are conscious about what you eat, so along with our Advisory Board, we have answered the most frequently asked questions about our products and diabetes. Stay tuned to read more about how Dreamfields Pasta can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The following question is answered by Tami A. Ross RD, LD, CDE (KY)

Q. I have a difficult time controlling my blood glucose. How can I keep my levels balanced throughout the day?

A. Controlling blood glucose is a balance between your carbohydrate intake at each meal and snack, physical activity, and your diabetes medications. Each time you eat, even if it's just a snack, it can raise your blood glucose. If you snack frequently through the day or drink beverages containing carbohydrate, they can keep your blood glucose up. We suggest working closely with a registered dietitian to fine tune your carbohydrate counting, as carbohydrate directly affects your blood glucose. diabetes educator (some registered dietitians are also diabetes educators) can help you understand and balance physical activity and your diabetes medications. To locate a registered dietitian in your area check out the American Dietetics Association's web site at www.eatright.org and to locate a diabetes educator in your area go to the American Association of Diabetes Educator's web site at www.diabeteseducator.org.

For more information on Dreamfields Pasta, low carb eating and to answer questions you may have please visit our Q&A section http://www.dreamfieldsfoods.com/faq-search.php.

Congratulations to Marianne for being our weekly Pasta Salad Extravaganza Winner!

We know how hard it can be to find good recipes with high fiber foods and low carb ingredients, but don't worry we've got you covered! No need to search for a pasta salad recipe in that low carb cookbook, simply stay tuned to our blog all summer long to get great tasting and healthy pasta salad recipes!

Summer is a time for cookouts and no cookout is complete without a delicious pasta salad! This Summer we are holding our Pasta Salad Extravaganza Contest to share differnet pasta salads our fans come up with! We hope you enjoy and use some of these recipes for some low carb meal ideas!

The winning pasta salad recipe this week is a Mediterranean dish that is so delicious with the green beans, feta cheese, tomatoes and especially the edamame. Whether you are on a low carb diet or controlling diabetes you can make this recipe work for you!

Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Marianne Mirrione

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen edamame, shelled
1 cup green beans, cut on the diagonal into 1 inch pieces
1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (goat cheese may be substituted)
1 package Dreamfields penne pasta, cook according to package directions and allow to cool
2 tsp. chopped basil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook green beans in a large pot of boiling water until just tender (2-3 minutes).
2. Drain and rinse under cold water.
3. Drain and pat dry.
4. Repeat with edamame.
5. Whisk vinegar, salt, pepper and oil.
6. Add all other ingredients and toss to coat.

Did this recipe give you an idea for a new pasta salad? You can still enter our Pasta Salad Extravaganza Contest!

Dreamfields Pasta realizes you are conscious about what you eat, so along with our Advisory Board, we have answered the most frequently asked questions about our products and diabetes. The following question is answered by Roberta Duyff, MS, RD, FADA, CFCS (MO)


What are "low GI" foods and do they react differently than "high GI" foods in people with diabetes?

First some clarification, glycemic index (GI) rates how carbohydrate-containing foods affect blood glucose levels after eating those foods. A food with a higher GI produces a greater rise in blood glucose levels than low GI foods. The glycemic effect of carbohydrate-containing foods depends on how food is prepared or processed, the variety and ripeness of fruits and vegetables, the type of carbohydrate a food contains (sugar and starch), how much fiber and fat it contains, and how long the food takes to digest, among other factors. For the most part legumes (dry beans), nonstarchy vegetables, milk, and most fruits tend to have a low GI; Dreamfields pasta also has a low glycemic index. Be aware that a food's glycemic index does not tell you how much carbohydrate a food contains. Blood glucose response relates to other factors too, including what foods are eaten with a food, how much is eaten, and an individual's response.

Dreamfields has so many wonderful recipe ideas on their website. You can find quick and easy low carb high protein recipes, healthy versions of your favorite dishes and new recipes that you and your family are sure to love! The following recipe is one of my personal favorites, and it’s a perfect dish for the summertime! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Come back and visit soon as I will share even more recipes to add to your low carb menus!

Angel Hair With Spicy Shrimp

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1/2 of a box uncooked Dreamfields Pasta -Angel Hair
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 can (28 ounces) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped basil (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and return to pan.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp; cook 3 to 5 minutes, until cooked through. Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; cook until garlic is tender, about 1 minute, stirring constantly. (Do not let garlic burn.) Remove shrimp from skillet; set aside.
3. Stir tomatoes, wine, parsley and basil into skillet. Continue cooking until liquid is reduced by half, about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shrimp and pasta to skillet. Continue cooking just to heat through, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and additional chopped basil, if desired. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Nutrition information (1/4 of recipe): 461 calories; 33 g protein;
18 g digestible carbohydrates*; 13 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 225 mg cholesterol;
776 mg sodium; 6 g total dietary fiber.

Forget all the other low carb pasta brands. Dreamfields Pasta has what you are looking for!

Congratulations to to our weekly Pasta Salad Extravaganza winner, Adam!

We know how hard it can be to find good recipes with high fiber foods and low carb ingredients, but don't worry we've got you covered! No need to search for a pasta salad recipe in that low carb cookbook, simply stay tuned to our blog all summer long to get great tasting and healthy pasta salad recipes!

Summer is a time for cookouts and no cookout is complete without a delicious pasta salad! This Summer we are holding our Pasta Salad Extravaganza Contest to share different pasta salads our fans come up with! We hope you enjoy and use some of these recipes for some low carb meal ideas!

The combination of tuna, red onion, bell pepper and grape tomatoes in this week's recipe is hit! The feta cheese adds to this delicious Summer dish perfectly! Try this recipe, you won't be disappointed! Whether you are on a low carb diet or controlling diabetes you can make this recipe work for you!

Summertime Tuna Pasta Salad
By Adam Gould

Ingredients:

1 box Dreamfields Pasta
2 cans albacore tuna in oil, drained
1 bell pepper, large dice
1 small red onion, medium dice
1 pint grape tomatoes, cut 1/2 lengthwise
1 bunch fresh basil, torn into medium pieces
1/2 block feta, crumbled
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare pasta according to directions, drain and cool
2. Transfer pasta to serving bowl.
3. Prepare vegetables and add to pasta.
4. Add drained tuna to pasta, broken into medium chunks, do not crumble completely.
5. Prepare vinaigrette by adding garlic, salt and pepper, and vinegar to mixing bowl.
6. Add oil in thin stream while constantly whisking to make an emulsion.
7. Toss vinaigrette with pasta and vegetables.
8. Add feta and basil toss gently and adjust seasoning.
9. Serve and enjoy!

Does this recipe give you an idea for a new pasta salad? You can still enter our Pasta Salad Extravaganza Contest!

Dreamfields recently introduced a new recipe that combines fresh fruit and seafood. After trying this one myself, I knew it had to be shared with everyone! Using a high fiber pasta like Dreamfields Pasta, is perfect for this dish! Healthy seafood, high fiber pasta and fresh fruit are all winner's in my book.

You can make this recipe work with your family by spicing it up with some red pepper flakes or using another type of fish such as cod or halibut. When buying fresh fish, look for fillets that are tender to the touch but firm. If possible, ask your fishmonger if you can smell it first. Fresh fish should have a small hint of sweetness…if it’s foul smelling, put it back!

So go ahead and try this tasty dish. It cooks up quick and you and your family are going to love it! It is also a great dish to serve guests. Very impressive taste and presentation and you won't spend the whole time in the kitchen with your guests in the other room.

Penne & Seared Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple-Mango Salsa

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 box Dreamfields Penne Rigate
1/2 cup lime juice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1-1/2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (1/2-inch pieces), divided
1 cup chopped fresh mango (1/2-inch pieces), divided
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 mahi-mahi or grouper fillets (8 to 10 ounces each)
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 small Thai red hot peppers or jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed, drained
Chopped cilantro, optional

Directions:

1. For salsa, place lime juice, wine, 1 cup pineapple, 1/2 cup mango, green onions and cilantro in bowl of food processor or blender container. Pulse to coarsely chop and blend.
2. Wash mahi-mahi fillets; pat dry. Place 1/2 cup salsa in glass dish (or food-safe plastic bag); reserve remaining salsa. Add fish; turn to coat with salsa. Refrigerate, covered, 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pan.
4. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add peppers and garlic; cook until sizzling, about 1 minute. Remove fish from salsa; pat dry. Place fish in skillet. Cook about 2 minutes until browned; turn and cook 2 minutes to sear on both sides. (Reduce heat if browning too quickly.) Pour reserved salsa around fish. Continue cooking 4 minutes or until cooked through (fish flakes easily when tested with fork). Remove fish from skillet; set aside. Add beans to skillet; cook until sauce is desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
5. Add pasta to skillet; toss to combine. Add remaining pineapple and mango; toss to combine. Place fish on pasta; sprinkle with cilantro, if desired.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition information (1/6 of recipe): 483 calories; 27 g protein; 31 g digestible carbohydrates*; 11 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 55 mg cholesterol; 159 mg sodium; 11 g total dietary fiber.

*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 70 g carbohydrate. For more information go to www.dreamfieldsfoods.com.

Dreamfields Pasta loves to share new and delicious recipes for our fans to try! Cooking low carb is one of our specialties. For more recipes please visit our website at: http://www.dreamfieldsfoods.com/healthy-pasta-recipes.html.

This dish is so easy to make, you can whip it up in no time! Plus, it's a delicious dish that your family will love!

You can search the best low carb recipes and rate your favorites!

Linguine Carbonara
By Chef Marilyn Harris

Ingredients:

1 box Dreamfields Linguine (or Spaghetti)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
6 strips good quality bacon, diced
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the linguine according to directions.
2. In a small skillet heat the olive oil and cook the bacon until crisp.
3. In a large metal bowl beat the eggs. Beat in the thyme and cheese.
4. When the pasta is done, drain and add immediately to the egg mixture.
5. Add the bacon-olive oil and toss well until the sauce thickens.
6. Season to taste with the salt and pepper.
   Serve immediately in warm bowls.

Nutrition information per serving (1/4 of recipe): 699 calories; 39 g protein; 18 g digestible carbohydrates; 32 g fat; 11 g saturated fat; 272 mg cholesterol; 691 mg sodium; 8 g total dietary fiber.

We realize that you are conscious about what you eat, so we have answered the most
frequently asked questions about Dreamfields Pasta and other diet related topics.

For more information and to find an answer to your question please visit our Q&A section http://www.dreamfieldsfoods.com/faq-search.php.

Congratulations to Alyssa for being our weekly Pasta Salad Extravaganza Winner!

We know how hard it can be to find good recipes with high fiber foods and low carb ingredients, but don't worry we've got you covered! No need to search for a pasta salad recipe in that low carb cookbook, simply stay tuned to our blog all summer long to get great tasting and healthy pasta salad recipes!

Summer is a time for cookouts and no cookout is complete without a delicious pasta salad! This Summer we are holding our Pasta Salad Extravaganza Contest to share different pasta salads our fans come up with! We hope you enjoy and use some of these recipes for some low carb meal ideas!

The winning pasta salad recipe this week is a sure to be a favorite with the great taste of bacon and avocado! Whether you are on a low carb diet or controlling diabetes you can make this recipe work for you!

Tomato Bacon Pasta Salad
By Alyssa Lackey

Ingredients:

6 slices bacon, chopped into one inch pieces
1/2 pound dried Dreamfields Pasta- Rotini
1/2 cup mayonnaise
juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon dried dill
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 avocado pitted and sliced

Directions:

1. Cook bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Strain. Run cold water over the top until the pasta is cooled.
3. While your bacon and pasta are cooking, whisk mayonnaise, lemon, salt, garlic powder, pepper and dill together in a bowl.
4. Stir cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado and reserved bacon into the dressing. Toss to combine.
5. Serve.

Did this recipe give you an idea for a new pasta salad? You can still enter our Pasta Salad Extravaganza Contest!

Dreamfields Pasta loves to share new and delicious recipes for our fans to try! Cooking low carb is one of our specialties. For more recipes please visit our website at: http://www.dreamfieldsfoods.com/healthy-pasta-recipes.html.

You can search the best low carb recipes and rate your favorites!

Southwest Pasta Salad

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

The flavors of Southwest are a mixture of flavors from cool and creamy, hot and spicy, and a dash of sour tartness. A must have at any picnic.Fix this for a low carb lunch!

Ingredients:

1 box Dreamfields Pasta Elbows or Penne Rigate
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 large sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 to 2 jalapeño chiles, seeded and chopped
1 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 cup tomato salsa
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Cook Dreamfields Pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again. In large serving bowl combine pasta, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, avocado, cilantro and jalapeño.
2. For dressing, in small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, salsa, lime juice and salt. Add to pasta mixture; toss gently. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate to chill.

Makes 8 side dish servings.

Nutrition information per serving (1/8 of recipe): 313 calories; 8 g protein;
12 g digestible carbohydrates*; 14 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 13 mg cholesterol;
595 mg sodium; 7 g total dietary fiber.

*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there are a total of 44 g carbohydrates. For more information go to www.dreamfieldsfoods.com.

Thanks for your interest in Dreamfields Pasta, we hope you enjoy!

Congratulations to Joseph for being our weekly Pasta Salad Extravaganza Winner! This recipe is definitely worth the effort!

We know how hard it can be to find good recipes with high fiber foods and low carb ingredients, but don't worry we've got you covered! No need to search for a pasta salad recipe in that low carb cookbook, simply stay tuned to our blog all summer long to get great tasting and healthy pasta salad recipes!

Summer is a time for cookouts and no cookout is complete without a delicious pasta salad! This Summer we are holding our Pasta Salad Extravaganza Contest to share different pasta salads our fans come up with! We hope you enjoy and use some of these recipes for some low carb meal ideas!

The winning pasta salad recipe for this week is definitely worth the effort! Combining Dreamfields Healthy Pasta with feta, olives, tomato and all of the other delicious ingredients makes this recipe a hit! Whether you are on a low carb diet or controlling diabetes you can make this recipe work for you!

Greek Pasta Salad
By Joseph Arsenault

Ingredients:

1 box Dreamfields Rotini, Penne, or Elbows
1/2 green bell pepper chopped 1/4 inch chunks
1/2 red bell pepper chopped 1/4 inch chunks
1 small or 1/2 large red Bermuda onion sliced into half inch round crescent moons
10 pepperoncini pickled peppers
8 ounces feta cheese chunks
1/2 cup sliced oven roasted tomatoes (recipe follows)
6 ounces calamatta olives, pitted
Greek dressing (recipe follows)

Oven Roasted Tomatoes
5 Lg Roma Tomatoes
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper

Directions:

1. Cut the tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet
2. Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil and then add salt and pepper to taste
3. Bake the tomatoes at 350 degree for 30-45 minutes
4. When caramelized and sweet, remove tomatoes from the over and cut into quarter inch pieces

Greek Dressing
Juice of one lemon
Zest of one lemon
Teaspoon dried or 2 Tablespoons of fresh mint
Teaspoon dried or 2 Tablespoons fresh Greek oregano, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 large shallot, minced
1/2 Teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 cup Greek olive oil

Whisk all ingredients above until emulsified.

Pasta Salad

1. Prepare Dreamfields according to package for al dente cooking
2. Add all ingredients to large bowl
3. Prepare dressing and add to bowl

Did this recipe give you an idea for a new pasta salad? You can still enter our Pasta Salad Extravaganza Contest!

Dreamfields attended the 12th Annual Friends For Life Conference, and it was such a great event, we had to share our experience with you! The following post is by Registered Dietitian, Joan Williams.

Dreamfields Pasta Exhibited At The 12th Annual Friends For Life Conference

We were so happy to be part of this exciting, informative and fun conference held at the Disney Coronado Springs Hotel on July 5-8. There were more than 3000 people attending to learn more about managing, living and staying motivated with Type 1 Diabetes. It was a joy meeting families from all over the U.S. and introducing them to Dreamfields Pasta.

Children of all ages, along with their families, sampled our penne pasta salad made with grape tomatoes, green peppers and Cabot reduced fat cheddar cheese. Everyone loved the taste of our penne pasta salad, but most importantly, were excited to learn why Dreamfields is so different than traditional pasta and whole grain pasta. Many families exclaimed, ‘Dreamfields will now be a staple in our household’, ‘you mean my child can eat spaghetti again!’, ‘where can I buy Dreamfields?’ and ‘this is the only pasta we buy at our house!’. It was so exciting and heartwarming to me to see happy faces on the children and even, their parents when they are introduced to Dreamfields for the first time, and most importantly, love the taste of Dreamfields pasta. To hear kids say, ‘this is really good’, ‘I like it!’ and lots of ‘ummmmm!’

As a registered dietitian and a certified insulin pump trainer, I explained the importance of making sure families and kids with Type 1 knew how to count the ‘digestible carbs’ for Dreamfileds and bolus for it. When families and kids learn Dreamfields is only 5 grams of digestible carbs per one cup cooked, they are so excited and in awe of how this is possible. I then have the opportunity to explain the science and technology of Dreamfields.

As always, whether enjoying Dreamfields pasta or other foods, people with Diabetes must carefully monitor their blood glucose and have frequent contact with their physician to maintain good health.

We hope to support the Friends for Life International Children with Diabetes Conference for years to come! See you next year.

Joan