Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad — Meatless Monday

By: Nikhita Mahtani

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Spinach Artichoke Salad

Rachael Ray's Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad for Potluck Picks as seen on Food Network's 30 Minute Meals

Photo by: Alice Gao ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Alice Gao, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Pasta is most often the easiest party staple. It's quick to prepare and can be amped up in a number of different ways — from using diverse types of pasta like tortellini or penne to using various sauces like pesto, cream or tomato. There's a pasta for every mood. Still, having a warm and hearty main may not be the most ideal choice for a summer soiree. Luckily, pasta is also a dish that is wonderful when cold, and can be made into a healthy, light salad.

In this Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad from Rachael Ray, tortellini is used to create a filling meal. The recipe allows the use of all kinds of this stuffed pasta, from chicken to prosciutto, but those going meatless can buy the mushroom-, cheese-, or spinach-filled kinds. Along with the pasta comes the addition of fresh spinach and artichokes to amp up the nutritional factor while the sun-dried tomatoes work perfectly for a salty touch. With a tangy dressing made from garlic, lemon zest, vinegar, ginger, olive oil and thyme, this cold salad is the perfect light summer staple.

Meatless Monday, an international movement, encourages people everywhere to cut meat one day a week for personal and planetary health. Browse more Meatless Monday recipes.

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