Ingredients

1/2 pound thin spaghetti , broken into 1 1/2-inch lengths
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic , minced , divided
1 tablespoon dried basil , divided
1/4 cup olive oil , divided
2 pints grape tomatoes , diced
1/2 red onion , diced
1 can small pitted black olives , halved lengthwise
1 package sliced fresh mushrooms
6 romaine lettuce leaves , torn into bite size pieces
Sarah Rose couldn't remember how her father came up with this recipe. He just made it and named it Sarah Rose's Dad's Made-Up Kind of a Salad Sort of Thing. It is a unique blend of pasta, tomatoes, olives, and vegetables. This salad recipe is a perfect blend of all the flavors, with each ingredient enhancing the taste of the other. The crunchy veggies and the refreshing lettuce are the cherry on the top, making it a perfect meal for any summer day or potluck party.

Instructions

1.Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, 6 to 8 minutes.
2.Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with 1/8 cup olive oil and sprinkle with half the garlic and half the basil. Mix well.
3.Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add tomatoes; cook and stir until softened, about 5 minutes. Add onion; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in black olives; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over spaghetti.
4.Saute mushrooms in the same skillet over medium-high heat until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add remaining garlic and basil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over spaghetti mixture.
5.Add lettuce to the spaghetti mixture; toss well.

PROS

Sarah Rose’s Dad’s Made-Up Kind of a Salad Sort of Thing is a unique combination of pasta, vegetables, and protein.
It is loaded with flavors and textures.
The spaghetti is cooked to perfection, vegetables are fresh and sauteed to add an extra crunch, while lettuce adds a refreshing taste.

It is easy to prepare and perfect for a warm summer day or a potluck party.

CONS

The only downside of Sarah Rose’s Dad’s Made-Up Kind of a Salad Sort of Thing is that it does not stay fresh for a longer period.
So, you have to refrigerate it soon after preparing it and cannot heat it up for leftovers as the lettuce will wilt.

It is not suitable for someone who is watching their carbohydrate or sodium intake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Sarah Rose’s Dad’s Made-Up Kind of a Salad Sort of Thing is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. The combination of different vegetables and lettuce is beneficial in fighting against cancer and other chronic diseases.
The black olives used in the recipe are rich in healthy fats, while spaghetti is a good source of energy and keeps you full for a longer time.

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