Pasta Salad With Kefir, Peas and Cheese

I love recipes with healthy substitutes. Cut the mayo out of pasta salad and give it a healthy, tangy twist with kefir and some fresh peas for a fresh take on a classic.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  lb pasta shells
• 1 1⁄2 cups  lifeway  low-fat plain kefir
• 3  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1  lb  frozen peas (thawed)
• 6  green onions
• 1⁄2 cup mint leaf
• 1⁄2 lb  white cheese or 1⁄2 lb feta

Directions

1. Cook the pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and while it begins to cool, make the dressing and prep additional ingredients.
2. In a blender, combine kefir, olive oil, garlic, salt, cayenne pepper and 1 cup of the peas. Blend until smooth and pale green.
3. Chop the green onions into thin slices. Stack the mint leaves and slice crosswise into thin ribbons. Dice the cheese into ¼ inch cubes or crumble if using feta.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, dressing, green onions, mint, cheese and remaining peas and stir to combine. Refrigerate a few hours or overnight before serving. If the pasta absorbs the dressing, add more kefir before serving.