Pasta is my favorite food. But, pasta gets a bad rep because it is high in carbohydrates, which are now being blamed for diseases like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. But, that doesn’t mean you have to give up pasta entirely. You just have to make healthier food choices. Here you can find five awesome and tasty pasta alternatives.
1. Cucumber Noodles
These cucumber noodles are packed full of flavor thanks to the ginger and cumin. They are so amazingly delicious, they’ll sure to wake up anyone’s taste buds.
Ingredients:
1 large cucumber
2 tsp. lemon juice
1/5 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. fresh grated ginger
¼.tsp. cumin
1 green onion, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp. olive oil
Instructions:
Cut the cucumber into long, thin, matchstick-like strips.In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, green onion, cumin, ginger, garlic powder, lemon juice and cucumber. Mix gently until well combined. Done.
2. Spaghetti squash salad
Thanks to the squash, this recipe is packed full of essential vitamins and minerals. This recipe contains no flour, no butter, and no milk.
Ingredients:
1 spaghetti squash
2 tbsp. olive oil
3 tbsp. lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400 F. Slice the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash in a roasting pan and cook for 30-45 minutes. Using a fork, separate the flesh into strands. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and lemon juice. Pour the mixture over the squash. Done!
3. Black bean pasta with tomato sauce
This black bean pasta with kale is a great alternative to regular pasta. This pasta is high in fiber, low in carbohydrates and gluten-free.
Instructions:
1/2 package black bean spaghetti, cooked, drained, rinsed
1 tomato, diced
½ cup tomato salsa
1 onion, diced
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic minced
1/2 tsp. oregano
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the oil. Add the garlic and onion, and cook for 2-5 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and cook for 20 more minutes. Pour over your pasta. Enjoy.
4. Quinoa spaghetti with mushrooms
This quinoa spaghetti recipe is healthy and full of flavor your whole family will love! This recipe is also low in carbs and high in fiber.
Ingredients:
8 ounces quinoa spaghetti
3 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 cup vegetable stock
1 carrot, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp. olive oil
Instructions:
Cook the pasta according to package directions. In a large stockpot, add the olive oil and onion and cook for 4 minutes. Add the garlic, mushrooms, carrot, bell pepper and chili powder – cook for 10 minutes. Add the broth and cook for 15 more minutes. Serve over hot pasta. Serve and enjoy.
5. Lettuce wraps
Lettuce wraps make a healthier alternative to traditional tacos. These wraps are perfect for winter and easy to make. Also, they are low in calories and carbs.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 cup of chopped or diced chicken breast
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 lime, juiced
1 tomato, diced
1/2 cup fresh tomato salsa
1/3 tsp. chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 romaine lettuce leaves
1 diced avocado
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil Ii a medium non-stick sauté pan. Add the onion, diced chicken, garlic, and cook for 10 minutes. Set aside and let cool. Add the remaining ingredients (except the lettuce) and gently mix until well combined. Divide the mixture into 8 lettuce leaves. Serve and enjoy.
