Does the recession/depression/financial apocalypse have you tightening your belt?  Need some ideas for cheap, healthy recipes?

Well, you’ve come to the right place.  I’ll be trying to write up more of my recipes and posting them here.  All recipes will cost $1 at most – and probably less- per person.

Here’s a pasta salad recipe that’s great for summer.  I call it “Tuscan” because it uses beans, artichokes, and has less pasta than a typical pasta salad (it’s half pasta, half greens).  I stock up on fancy things like artichoke hearts, roasted bell peppers, and olives when they are on sale and I have coupons.  They add a lot of special flavor to meals and are handy to have in the cupboard in case of unexpected company!

This dish comes together quite quickly if you use prepared ingredients, and makes a good, budget friendly emergency meal.   It’s healthy and vegan, too!

Tuscan Pasta Salad

1 lb. dried cannelini other white bean, cooked according to package directions {$1}

1 box rotini pasta, cooked (I use whole wheat.  Try SmartTaste if whole wheat is too heavy for you.) {$1}

8 oz. roasted red bell peppers {$1}

1 8 oz. jar artichoke hearts {$1}

2-3 cups salad greens (I buy a big 16 oz. tub of organic mixed greens for $5.  2-3 cups is about 1/4 of the tub) {1.25}

1 bag frozen green beans, thawed {$1}

1 # fresh tomatoes, diced {$1.50}

1 large or 2 small green onions, chopped {.25}

Put beans in a big bowl, and season with salt and pepper.  No one likes a bland bean!   Dump in all other ingredients, and refrigerate until ready to eat.  Toss with dressing just before serving.

Dressing:

1 c. olive oil or oil from artichoke jar {1.00 or less}

1/2 c. red wine vinegar {.50? }

1/2 tsp. dried tarragon

1 tsp. brown mustard

salt and pepper to taste

Put all ingredients in a jar, screw on the lid, and shake vigorously or use an immersion blender.  Or, just use your favorite bottled Italian dressing.

Tips:

* Make it cheaper! Use tomatoes from your garden and roast your own fresh bell pepper.  ut it in half and broil it until the skin is charred or char over a stove burner, put in a plastic bag for a few minutes to cool, then peel and chop.

* Make it faster! Used canned cannelini beans and bottled dressing.  Or use my convenient dried beans.

* Great make ahead meal for crazy days or potlucks after church.  Just add dressing right before serving.

* Check your dollar store for bell peppers and artichokes.  They carry all kinds of gourmet goods!

* Make this dish heartier by adding cut up leftover chicken or canned white tuna.

* A sprinkle of parmesan or romano or chopped olives would be most welcome.

Total cost:  $9.50

Serves: at least 12

Cost per serving:  79 cents

I don’t actually know how many servings it is, but it filled my big 8 qt. stainless steel bowl.  I fed 10 children and 2 adults with lots of  leftovers, though one of the neighbor boys didn’t really like it.