Tasty Pasta Salad

I adapted this recipe from a Cooking Light recipe (June 2006) to make it more kid-friendly. I tried it out with some friends, and it was a hit!

Ingredients

1 package Wacky Mac, or other brand of veggie enriched pasta

1 avocado, peeled and diced

1 tomato, diced (or 1 1/2 C grape tomatoes, cut in half)

1/2 cucumber, peeled and diced

1/4 red onion, diced

1 can (~15 oz) back beans, drained and rinsed

zest from 1 lime

juice from 1 lime

2 T cilantro, finely chopped

1 T cider vinegar

2 tsp. olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, chop vegetables and rinse the beans. Combine veggies and beans in a medium bowl. Combine the zest and remaining ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together. When pasta is done, drain it and toss it into the veggie/bean mixture. Pour the lime mixture over the top and toss well. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if you like. Chill, if you like, or serve immediately. Serves 4-6, depending on your appetites.

My 2-year old enjoys this dish--I just have to leave the veggies big enough that she can pick out what she doesn't like (lately that's the tomatoes). Feel free to add whatever veggies are your child's favorite.