Campanelle Pasta Summer Salad with Spinach Pesto

Celebrating the Mediterranean Diet

May is Mediterranean Diet Month and I’m excited to partner with Barilla to celebrate the many ways to incorporate healthy servings of pasta and other Mediterranean diet tips into our regular diets. While Alina is a great eater, she still shows the typical toddler pickiness at times, so I was thankful for the awesome selection of pasta sent to me from Barilla for all the summer salads I hope to make! (Don’t forget to enter the giveaway to win your own Barilla Pasta Pack!)

I fell in love with this Campanelle pasta almost immediately! Have you had it before? Its curved, ridged shape is supposed to be great for sauces, and since I haven’t met a toddler who doesn’t like a sauce, I figured the Campanelle would be perfect for my homemade Spinach Pesto. And it was! The Spinach Pesto is packed with leafy greens, I threw in fresh red and yellow grape tomatoes too, while the Campanelle gave the dish some heartiness. A seriously simple summer salad recipe perfect for a picnic!

Barilla Executive Chef Lorenzo offered to answer 5 DSM reader questions on the importance of the Med Diet. We asked everything from healthy pasta recipes to favorite wine pairings, and this is what he had to say…

I would like to know what makes the Mediterranean Diet a healthier way to eat? Also, what are Chef Lorenzo’s favorite add-in ingredients for pasta?

o   The Mediterranean Diet is a healthy style of eating inspired by the traditional dietary patterns of the Mediterranean region, which includes Italy at its heart. This style of eating emphasizes healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats, olive oil and grains – like pasta, while eating only small amounts of red meats and sweets. Pasta really is one of the best ways to experiment with this way of eating as it’s the perfect foundation for many of these Mediterranean healthy ingredients. I love extra virgin olive oil based sauces, and usually go with what’s in season. I like kale, fava beans, aromatic herbs and generally speaking, almost all vegetables. From time to time I also enjoy pasta with seafood.

What are your favorite wines to pair with pasta dishes?

o   Wine is such an integral part of Mediterranean culture and it can be a healthy addition to your diet, when in moderation. For me, it really depends on what I am eating. I generally stick with red wines with bold and flavorful dishes, while I enjoy a white and crisp whine with seafood or veggie pastas. I also enjoy Prosecco or Franciacorta wines to start my meals.

Chef Lorenzo Boni, where can I find easy and quick Mediterranean recipes?

o   You’re in luck! My friend Kate Geagan, you may know her as America’s Green Nutritionist, and I created a few special pasta recipes in honor of Mediterranean Diet Month, which you can find at http://www.barilla.com/mediterranean-diet. They are full of healthy Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Let us know if you try any at home!

What does Chef Lorenzo think are the biggest misconceptions with pasta recipes?

o   One of the biggest misconceptions about pasta is that it’s not healthy, or that it makes people “fat,” which is just not true. Pasta is a good complex carbohydrate food, and is especially healthy when paired with nutrient-rich pasta “partners” that are high in fiber or protein and low in unhealthy fats, such as fresh herbs, vegetables, beans and lean meats – all foods that are a key part of the Mediterranean Diet.

I was curious what Mr. Boni thought about cooking with whole wheat pasta? What am I sacrificing by using whole wheat as opposed to regular pasta?

o   Whole Grain pasta is not only delicious, but it’s a great alternative for people looking to add a little extra fiber to their diet. Barilla Whole Grain pasta delivers an additional 28g of whole grains and 6g of fiber per serving without sacrificing on taste. Try my Whole Grain Penne with Chick Peas and Leeks with Creamy Artichoke Sauce and let me know what you think! I also enjoy my Whole Grain pastas paired with green leafy veggies such as cabbage, kale,spinach, and brussel sprouts.  http://www.barilla.com/content/recipe/barilla-whole-grain-penne-chick-peas-and-leeks-served-creamy-artichoke-sauce

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win the same pasta selection, including this delicious Campanelle pasta and some of the more popular selections, too.

De Su Mama is not responsible for shipment of prize pack. Open to readers 18 years old and older. United States entrants only. Good luck, and thanks for entering!

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*Disclosure: Barilla provided me with product in order to write this post. However, my opinions on the product are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive sentiments towards Barilla or their products.