Fruity pasta salad variations: Omit the gherkin and instead season the pasta with a sprinkling of curry powder, stirring it in well. • Sprinkle with cashews instead of walnuts. • Low-fat mayonnaise can be used instead of the traditional type, for extra heart health. • Use 1 can (540 ml) chickpeas, well drained, instead of the ham. • Use 3 slices canned pineapple in natural juice, drained and diced, instead of fresh pineapple.
Per serving: 479 calories, 22 g protein, 15 g total fat, 4 g saturated fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 64 g total carbohydrate, 12 g sugars, 6 g fibre, 766 mg sodium
Cheese is a good source of protein and a valuable source of calcium, phosphorus, niacin and vitamin B12. Using a strongly flavoured cheese, such as mature Cheddar, means that less is required for flavour in the dish, thus keeping the total fat content down.