could you please pass the dinner rolls?

I adore cheeses, breads, pastas, and desserts.  However, with this quest for a flatter stomach, I'm trying to eat better.  (Let's forget about that donut I mentioned last time).  And yeah, really, it's a sad, dark time in my life. 

But this salad?  Surprisingly delicious.  Maybe there's a little ray of sunshine, after all.

Image Credit: Skinnytaste.com

 

Arugula Salad with Penne, Garbanzo Beans and Sun Dried Tomatoes

(barely adapted from Skinnytaste) 

Serves 4

2 chicken breasts (optional)

3 cups baby arugula
6 oz penne pasta
1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 cup canned garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
4 tbsp Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly shaved
salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
season salt, to taste

- Season chicken with pepper and season salt, to taste.
- Grill on stovetop, approximately five per minutes per side.
- Once cool, shred and set aside.
- Meanwhile, boil pasta in salted water, until al dente.
- Drain and run under cold water.
- Whisk together balsamic and olive oil.
- Toss the pasta with grilled chicken, baby arugula, sundried tomatoes, chick peas, dressing, 2 tbsp cheese, salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
- Plate and top with remaining parmesan.