CUCUMBER AND ROTINI PASTA SALAD

The “Dog Days of Summer” have little to do with an old hound dog lazing in the shade of a cypress tree, or a song by Florence + The Machine. Where the phase does come from is Greek antiquity.

To the Ancients, the “dog days” occurred around the day in late July when the star Sirius, the nose in the constellation Canis Major, rises in the dawn just before the sun. In fact, the star Sirius is also known as the “Dog Star” and is the brightest star in the night sky.  And as we all know in the Northern Hemisphere, in late July, summer is at its’ hottest. Here’s a cool dish to serve as a side, or stand-alone vegetarian meal.

 

 

INGREDIENTS:
1 cucumber (peeled & chopped in 1/2-inch squares)
1 c. roma tomato (diced)
1⁄2 c. red onion (chopped)
3 tbsp. key lime juice
2 tbsp. chopped cilantro
2 tbsp. agave nectar
1⁄4 tsp. salt
1⁄4 tsp. pepper
1 c. dry whole grain rotini pasta

PREPARATION:
Cook pasta, drain and allow it to cool. Combine key lime juice, cilantro, sugar, salt and pepper in small bowl and mix well. In a large bowl, combine pasta and vegetables. Toss gently with the lime dressing and serve chilled. Variations: Want protein? Add some cooked Northern Beans. Spice it up? Add minced jalapeño.

So simple, yet oh so good. Enjoy JW