08/05/2025
🌟 **Food of the Week: Italian Pasta Salad! 🇮🇹🍝** 🌟
This week, we’re excited to feature a delicious and nutritious Italian Pasta Salad made with cassava root pasta! Perfect for our pediatric occupational therapy sessions, this colorful dish is not only tasty but also packed with essential nutrients to support growing bodies.
**Ingredients:**
- **Cassava Root Pasta:** A gluten-free alternative that’s high in fiber, making it great for digestion!
- **Black Olives:** Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, they add a savory flavor.
- **Purple Onions:** Loaded with vitamins and minerals, these add crunch and beautiful color!
- **Sweet Mini Peppers:** High in vitamin C and antioxidants, these provide a natural sweetness.
- **Italian Salad Dressing:** A flavorful addition that brings all the ingredients together!
**Nutritional Highlights:**
- **Cassava Root Pasta:** High in fiber (about 4g per serving) which helps keep little tummies happy and full!
- **Black Olives:** Contains healthy monounsaturated fats, supporting heart health.
- **Purple Onions:** A source of vitamin C, B vitamins, and potassium, which are essential for growth and development.
- **Sweet Mini Peppers:** Just one pepper can provide more than 100% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C!
- **Italian Dressing:** Adds flavor without excess calories, keeping meals light and enjoyable.
This vibrant Italian Pasta Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a fantastic way to incorporate various nutrients into our kids' diets.
