Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Dilly Summer Squash and Lentil Pasta Salad (Pasta Package Giveaway)

We are a pasta family.
We love pasta...in all shapes and forms.
My kids favorite...bow tie!
My hubby's favorite...spaghetti!
My favorite...any!



What is a constant is that we use whole wheat pasta rich in whole grain
Good quality, tasty whole wheat pasta like Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Pasta 
can truly bring out the best in your pasta dish. I was excited to receive a selection of Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Pastas to create a new recipe for their Summer Pastabilities  contest. (Um, yeah...I just might have won the Have a Grain Holiday Contest!)




I am also prefer vegetarian meals and love to create side dishes or main dishes that can satisfy meat-lovers and vegetarians alike!


I created the Dilly Summer Squash and Lentil Pasta Salad to be served in smaller portions as a side dish but also it is hearty enough (thanks to the lentils) to serve as a main dish! It is full of fresh summer flavors and has already been a hit at a few of my summer parties!

Dilly Summer Squash and Lentil Pasta Salad
INGREDIENTS
Makes 10 cups

I package Hodgson Mill Bow Tie Whole Wheat Pasta (10 oz, dry), cooked
1 Medium yellow summer squash, grated (yields about 1 cup)
1 Medium zucchini, grated (yield about 1 cup)
1/2 red onion, coarsely chopped (yields about 1 cup)
1 red pepper, coarsely chopped (yields about 1 cup)
1/2 cup dry lentils (some stores carry precooked lentils) (Yields about 1 cup cooked)
3/4 oz. fresh dill (about 8 stems)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tsp. ground black pepper
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup olive oil
2 lemons, juiced
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced


COOK IT
  • Prepare pasta according to package directions: Bring 4 qts. of water to a boil. Salt to taste. Add pasta to boiling water; stir vigorously until water boils again. Cook for 7-9 minutes or until desired tenderness. Drain.
  • Prepare lentils: At least 8 hours prior (or overnight), soak 1/2 cup DRY lentils in 2 cups water. Drain water. Using a steamer basket, fill large pot with a couple inches of water. Place steamer basket in the pot, add the lentils to the basket, cover and steam for approximately 20 minutes. Taste the lentils at this point to see if they are the desired tenderness for you. Once cooked, let cool.
  • Prepare dressing: Place 1/3 cup olive oil the juice of 2 lemons, 3 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 tsp ground black pepper and 1 tsp salt in a jar or container and mix together.
Make the Salad
  • Let pasta and lentils cool.
  • Using a basic cheese grater (mine has large holes on one side and small on the other. I used the larger holes) grate the yellow squash and the zucchini. Add to the bowl.
  • Slice the red onion in half. Save one half and and coarsely chop the other half. Add to bowl.
  • Coarsely chop the red pepper. Add to bowl.
  • Wash and pat dry the dill. Chop the dill leaves (trying to avoid using the stem). Set aside.
  • The large bowl should have the 2 varieties of squash, red onion, and red pepper. Once the lentils are cool add them to the vegetable mixture. Once the past is cool add it to the bowl.
  • Pour dressing over the salad and gently mix to thoroughly coat the salad (you can adjust the amount of dressing, by adding a little at a time).
  • Add 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and toss.
  • Add the chopped dill, mix to combine.



This might seem like a lot of ingredients...but it is really easy to prepare and all of the ingredients are easily available in most markets. And it tastes so good...you will want to make this again and again!



For more inspiring and tasty ideas, follow:

Have you tried Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Pasta?
Here is your chance to grab some Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Pasta and take $1 off any variety of Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat pasta! http://bit.ly/PASTA2013
or
ENTER to win a $25 Hodgson Mill Pasta Prize Package right now! 
(giveaway open to U.S. residents/mailing addresses)
Giveaway runs from 8/6/13 through 8/14/13 at midnight PST


How to Enter:
Mandatory:
Leave a comment telling me which Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Pasta you want to try.

Secondary/Optional:
(leave a comment with your pinterest URL)

That is it - super simple!

Signature
This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre
 
disclosure: Hodgson Mill sent me a selection of pastas to create a Summer Pastabilities recipe for their contest. All opinions and recipes are my own creation.

141 comments:

  1. I love pasta too, Holly, and this dish really looks delicious. This one is going on Pinterest recipes!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would love to try their Whole Wheat Fettuccine and make chicken alfredo!

    ~Elisabeth
    vandango33 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I Follow Hodgson Mill on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/elisabethg33/boards/

    ~Elisabeth
    vandango33 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like to try the whole wheat bow ties--never had them in whole wheat.
    thesimplyblogs @ gmail. Com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I follow them on Pinterest at: pinterest.com/cherylsfunlist/
    thesimplyblogs @ gmail. Com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous1:39 PM

    Oh I would love to try the Whole Wheat Bow Tie pasta!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous1:39 PM

    I follow them on Pinterest! Lana756

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  8. I like the Bowie because we pretend they are butterflies.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I follow Hodgson Mill on pinterest

    pinterest.com/jenne86001

    jenne86001@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love wheat pasta, it's all we use. That being said, I'd like to try the Angel Hair pasta. We use that for nearly everything, spaghetti, alfredos, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Whole Wheat Mac & Cheese! Sounds so good

    nlbourassa (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Whole Wheat Mac & Cheese! Sounds so good

    nlbourassa (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Following on pinterest

    http://pinterest.com/nlbourassa/

    nlbourassa (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Whole Wheat Mac and Cheese! Then I can disguise the whole wheat part from my hubby! :-P

    ReplyDelete
  15. http://pinterest.com/rqballporter/boards/ followed :-)

    ReplyDelete
  16. I want to try the Whole Wheat Spirals.
    hschonrock at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I follow them on pinterest.
    http://pinterest.com/hslyons/boards/

    hschonrock at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. would love to try the bowties

    ReplyDelete
  19. followed pinterest.com/zealm76

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'd like to try the whole wheat egg noodles

    angwith4 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I followed them on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/angiewith3/boards/

    angwith4 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Whole Wheat Medium Shells

    ReplyDelete
  23. Following them on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/buckyandtux/

    ReplyDelete
  24. I would love to try the Bow Tie.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I would like to try the lasagna!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Following Hodgson Mill! pinterest.com/rachgarn

    ReplyDelete
  27. I would love to try the whole wheat Mac and cheese.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I follow on pinterest http://pinterest.com/sparklezstars/boards/

    ReplyDelete
  29. I would love to try the elbow macaroni
    crazyweirdo33@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. im a follower on pinterest
    http://pinterest.com/carnationlover/boards/
    crazyweirdo33@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. We love angel hair pasta so that would be fun to try in a whole wheat version.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I followed them on Pinterest, here's the link to my boards http://pinterest.com/whispern/boards/:

    ReplyDelete
  33. Anonymous11:59 AM

    I would love to try their angel hair pasta. I love using that pasta in pasta salad. I love the way you added dill. I bet that tastes so good. I have some fresh basil and I think I'm going to add that into the next pasta salad I make.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anonymous11:59 AM

    I follow Hodgson Mill on pinterest. The URL is http://pinterest.com/cravenshaw/boards/

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'd love to try the medium shells!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I follow them on pinterest (/jemimapuddleduk)

    ReplyDelete
  37. I would like to try the shells.

    fallingfan at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I would like to try the Whole Wheat Egg Noodles, I bet they'd make a great beef Stroganoff.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Whole wheat Mac and cheese

    Arifamily at comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'd like ti try their Whole Wheat Lasagna.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I would like to try the whole wheat pasta - I have the perfect recipe for it!

    ReplyDelete
  42. The bow tie pasta would be so fun, but I'd also love to try the Macaroni noodles too!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I follow on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/joyfullysewn

    Thanks!
    pennies.points.prizes at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Anonymous11:20 PM

    I'd love to try the penne whole wheat pasta...I would use it to make fettucine alfredo.

    sweeps785(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Anonymous11:21 PM

    I follow on pinterest.

    pinterest.com/sweeper78

    ReplyDelete
  46. I'd most like to try their Whole Wheat Bow Tie Pasta
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    ReplyDelete
  47. I follow Hodgson Mill on Pinterest as cezovski9
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    ReplyDelete
  48. like to try the whole wheat bow ties--never

    ReplyDelete
  49. I would love to try the whole wheat egg noodles to make some chicken noodle soup!

    ReplyDelete
  50. http://pinterest.com/blkyoshi69

    i did pinterest ty

    ReplyDelete
  51. I would love to try the whole wheat Mac and cheese.

    YUM!!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. I want to try the mac and cheese!

    ReplyDelete
  53. I follow on pinterest!
    femmefatale

    ReplyDelete
  54. The egg noodles sound interesting!!

    kgirl418 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. id like the whole wheat elbows.

    ReplyDelete
  56. i follow on pinterest, piratemommer

    ReplyDelete
  57. i would like to try the Veggie Rotini Spirals (4 Natural Flavors)-16oz.
    cmarquez482@outlook.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. i follow on pinterst http://pinterest.com/rabpomm/boards/
    cmarquez482@outlook.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I want the whole wheat spinach spaghetti

    I'm a vegetarian!:)

    I also have a coloring poster giveaway for kids on my blog
    http://sadiesalwaysright.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Followed on Pinterest

    Pinterest.com/sadieparty

    Sadieparty@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I'd love to try the Whole Wheat Angel Hair Pasta

    ReplyDelete
  62. I'd love to try the Whole Wheat Lasagna tara2126 at att dot net

    ReplyDelete
  63. Following on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/aspectacledowl

    tara2126 at att dot net

    ReplyDelete
  64. I would like to try the Angel Hair pasta.

    ReplyDelete
  65. I would like to try the fettuccine.

    glycine.max at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. We eat a lot of pasta. I would love to try the angel hair the most.

    shawn113(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I follow on pinterest.
    http://pinterest.com/andreect

    ReplyDelete
  68. I would love to try the whole wheat bow ties
    addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  69. That pasta dish looks so yummy! I'd like to try the medium shells or the spirals. I like any shape other than plain old spaghetti.

    kathlynebrown at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I WOULD LIKE TO TRY THE Whole Wheat Fettuccine.

    BEARSI2008@AOL.COM

    ReplyDelete
  71. I would love to try the Whole Wheat Spinach Spaghetti. Yum! kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Liked on Pinterest. Kristie Donelson.

    http://pinterest.com/kristiedonelson/

    kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  73. I would like to try Whole Wheat Egg Noodles

    ReplyDelete
  74. I follow hodgson mills on pinterest

    ReplyDelete
  75. I am most interested in the Whole Wheat Macaroni and Cheese. We primarily use pasta in casseroles, but the kids love macaroni and cheese.

    ReplyDelete
  76. I Follow Hodgson Mill on Pinterest as http://pinterest.com/1froglegs/

    ReplyDelete
  77. would love to try the angel hair the most. eclairre(AT)ymail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  78. Want to try all the pasta. I'm a
    pasta lover. nsidetrk @
    comcast dot com

    ReplyDelete
  79. def the WW mac n cheese!

    ReplyDelete
  80. I'm ready to try the lasagna! lexbaylor17 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  81. following on pinterest!

    http://pinterest.com/lieutcrunch27/


    lexbaylor17 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  82. Whole Wheat Mac & Cheese sounds soooo nummy right now! myamurphy@mail.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. I follow Hodgson Mill on pinterest under straykattt!!!

    myamurphy@mail.com

    ReplyDelete
  84. Whole wheat mac & cheese ... I'm such a sucker for mac & cheese.

    kimc 767 at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  85. I would love to try the whole wheat mac and cheese! What a great way to feel like a kid again but with nutrition!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Whole Wheat Penne looks fabulous. I love Penne!
    bedeliasspot[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  87. I follow.
    www.pinterest.com/ameliab555

    ReplyDelete
  88. I want to try whole wheat egg noodles!

    ReplyDelete
  89. http://pinterest.com/evilspawn12

    ReplyDelete
  90. We love mac n cheese, so I'd love to try the Whole Wheat Macaroni & Cheese

    ReplyDelete
  91. I follow on Pinterest as Raina DelRio

    ReplyDelete
  92. i want to try the spinach spaghetti
    trixie42027 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  93. pinterest follower trixie42027

    trixie42027 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  94. I'd love to try the Whole Wheat Egg Noodles. I love to cook with egg noodles!

    mattschmunk at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  95. Following on Pinterest. http://pinterest.com/matt0701

    mattschmunk at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  96. I would love to try the whole wheat bow ties
    hrddiana556@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. whole wheat bow ties
    amandahoffman35@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I would love to try the whole wheat bow ties

    creativesouthernhome at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. I would like to try the whole wheat elbows, our favorite around here.

    ReplyDelete
  100. I'd like to try the Whole Wheat Spirals.

    ReplyDelete
  101. I would really like to try the whole wheat penne pasta.

    (merlyn_2013@hotmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  102. Following Hodgson Mill on Pinterest as: Lauren Rochon (http://pinterest.com/lrochon/)

    (merlyn_2013@hotmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  103. As a college student living alone, and on an extremely budgeted income- I know 25.00 in pasta could go a long way towards keeping my self healthy.

    I can't wait to try to Fettuccine. Pasta dishes are about the only thing I know how to cook!

    ReplyDelete
  104. I'd like to try the whole wheat spirals

    ReplyDelete
  105. Karen Delaney (username karengdel) follows Hodgson Mills on Pinterest.

    ReplyDelete
  106. Either the spirals or the shells would be great in my homemade soup!

    ReplyDelete
  107. I would like to try the whole wheat spirals.

    krazekatlady at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  108. Following them on pinterest as krazekatlady

    krazekatlady at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  109. I would like to try the whole wheat fettucini and use it to make spaghetti.

    ReplyDelete
  110. I'd love to try the whole wheat egg noodles.

    ReplyDelete
  111. I follow Hodgson on Pinterest:
    http://pinterest.com/georgiabeckman/

    ReplyDelete
  112. I'd like to try the Whole Wheat Penne Pasta.
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  113. I Follow Hodgson Mill on Pinterest
    www.pinterest.com/jacvil/

    ReplyDelete
  114. I follow my url is http://pinterest.com/juanitamay67/following/

    ReplyDelete
  115. I would like to try the whole wheat penne pasta

    ReplyDelete
  116. I would love to try the penne whole wheat pasta.

    ReplyDelete
  117. I would love to win the Whole Wheat Bow Tie Pasta.

    glindathegood@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  118. I would love to try Whole Wheat Elbow Macaroni-16oz. for my soups.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  119. I do follow on Pinterest as dipsy38
    http://pinterest.com/dipsy38/boards/
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  120. I'd like to try the Whole Wheat Spinach Spaghetti-16oz.
    ingliskf (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  121. I follow Hodgson Mill on Pinterest
    http://pinterest.com/ingliskf/boards/

    ingliskf (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  122. I would like to try the medium shells

    ReplyDelete
  123. http://pinterest.com/familyoutdoors

    ReplyDelete
  124. I like the whole wheat macaroni and cheese. Thank you

    candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  125. Love to try the whole wheat bowtie pasta

    ReplyDelete
  126. I follow them on Pinterest at: pinterest.com/bhoppe67

    ReplyDelete
  127. whole wheat mac n cheese!

    ReplyDelete
  128. i followed on pintrest darbybrazoski

    ReplyDelete
  129. Anonymous7:37 PM

    Whole wheat mac n' cheese sounds fabulous :) Thanks for the opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  130. I would love to try the Whole Wheat Macaroni & Cheese!!

    ReplyDelete
  131. I follow on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/tiffduke/

    ReplyDelete
  132. I follow on Pinterest
    pinterest.com/danirenee198

    Danielle Williams
    ssromans828@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  133. would LOVE to try the angel hair pasta (my fave!)

    Danielle Williams
    ssromans828@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  134. I would like to try them all but Angel Hair Pasta would be my first to try.

    ReplyDelete
  135. I'd try the Whole Wheat Bow Tie Pasta. Bow ties are my favorite.
    Thanks!
    katieamanda1(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  136. I'd like to try their angel hair pasta to make spaghetti.I've never had their pasta before.Thank you :)
    sue-hull64@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  137. I follow Hodgson Mill on Pinterest
    http://pinterest.com/suelvsbucks

    ReplyDelete
  138. Pinterest follower: http://pinterest.com/ddganey

    ReplyDelete
  139. I want the whole wheat bow tie pasta.

    ReplyDelete
  140. I have to say I'm not a dill person, but this combo sounds so interesting I just might try the recipe. Looks really great. Best of luck with the contest!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation! I sure hope you come back for more!