Meet our winner Leaha as she shares her low fat tips & winning recipe!

1. What is your secret in creating flavorful, low fat dishes? “I stay away from using heavy cream & cheese that is high in fat. I also enjoy red wine vinegar and mixing it with fresh spices and adding a little vegetable oil for salad dressing instead of creamy ranch dressing or anything with cheese or high fat oils in them.”

2. How did you make this pasta “classically thin” ?“I use low fat feta cheese and the dressing is made with light vinegar and fresh spices.”
3. What is your favorite low fat dish? “My favorite low fat dish would probably be the Orzo pasta, and my veggie lasagna.”

Check out the winning recipe for our “Classically Thin” recipe contest.

Leaha’s Greek Orzo Pasta salad

One bag Orzo pasta (Trader Joes brand)
3 color bell peppers (I use one green, red and yellow) finely chopped
One container fresh basil (Trader Joes) finely chopped
One bunch Parsley finely chopped
Two tablespoons of Greek seasoning.
One vine ripe tomato finely chopped (optional)
One jar Kalamata olives- 8oz jar Trader Joes brand (optional can be made without)
One 8oz package feta cheese low fat (Trader Joes)
1 cup red wine vinegar
1cup vegetable oil

Cook Orzo pasta according to instructions. Add about 1 tablespoon olive oil to the water and a little salt. Then add the pasta.

When pasta is done run cold water over it until it cools completely. Add to a large bowl and set aside.

Finely chop the basil and Parsley and set aside.
Finely chop the bell peppers set aside.
Finely chop the tomato and set aside.
Drain the Olives set aside.

Mix the vinegar, oil and Greek seasoning together- I put it in a cup with a lid and shake it well.

Add all the veggies and olives to the pasta. Then add the vinegar and oil mix. Then add the basil and parsley. Mix well. Then last add the feta cheese crumble it to your preferred amount into the pasta and mix well. Season to taste with a little salt and pepper.

NOTE: I have a husband who does not like chunks of tomatoes or olives so most of the time I make it without and add those to my own plate later;)

Thanks for sharing Leaha and congratulations!

November 14, 2009. Tags: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad, Low fat recipes. Contests, Figure Friendly Recipes.