During the dog days of summer this light and refreshing chilled pasta salad is great for a post-workout snack/meal. Add protein of your choice and it’s a complete meal. It can easily be made vegan by swapping out only one ingredient. It meal preps well and you have a satisfying and healthy meal all week. Sweet pea pasta salad is perfect for the whole family, picnic contribution, or dinner party.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 13 oz frozen baby peas *best if you can find fresh ones from the farmer’s market in the spring
• 2 lemons, zest and juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup parmigiana cheese or nutritional yeast if making it vegan
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• salt, pepper, onion, garlic powder optional to taste

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Rinse frozen peas in a colander until thawed and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the lemon zest, juice, olive oil, grated cheese and mint to the bowl and toss until well combined . Add any additional salt, pepper, onion powder, or garlic powder to your liking.
4. Refrigerate until chilled. Enjoy!

Athlete Benefits

• The complex carbohydrates in the pasta help reduce cortisol levels and induce an anabolic state after workouts (it helps you recover faster).
• Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids. Oleic acid reduces inflammation.
• Vitamins E and K act as antioxidants and help with blood clotting and
• Oleocanthal is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to work similarly to the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen
• Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, which can help with heart function
• Mint can help relieve indigestion
• Peas are a little powerhouse that contain vitamins pre-A, B vitamins, zinc, vitamin C, and coumestrol, an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation 

About Dr. A’nna

Dr. A’nna Roby is a mission to help athletes better understand and fuel their body so that they can achieve their personal best. She is the only combined PhD/Registered Dietitian with all degrees from the Ivy League who specializes in sports performance nutrition. Dr. A’nna works with athletes, coaches, scientists, and innovators to help progress the field of sports nutrition and exercise physiology. You can reach het at anna@drannaroby.com