Breast Cancer Awareness Week continues. Today we are moving on to something healthy. Walnuts. Did you know that walnuts contain the most antioxidants of all nuts. Antioxidants help protect the body for the cellular damage that contributes to breast cancer, other cancers, and heart disease. Walnuts are also the richest in omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation. Plus they are a great way to get healthy unsaturated fats, which are usually found in fish.
I thought this pasta was perfect to highlight the walnuts, and get a healthy meal. It is meat free, but still filling from the nuts. You could use any veggies here. Saute them in heart healthy olive oil, and serve over whole grain pasta. A little bit of arugula mixed in would be wonderful. Arugula is a rich source of certain phytochemicals that have been shown to fight cancer-causing elements in the body. Arugula is also a great source of folic acid and Vitamins A, C and K. It is one of the best vegetable sources of Vitamin K, which provides a boost for bone and brain health. So this really could be a powerhouse of a meal.
I made this for lunch one day, and I loved it. I am honestly not a huge fan of walnuts, but sauteed in the olive oil, with the pasta, and the zucchini it was just perfect. A little crunch, and little chewy, salty, savory, and just good! I think even my meat loving husband would be a fan of this one. As soon as I get more walnuts, I will be making it for him.
Toasted Walnut Pasta

Whole grain pasta with veggies and toasted walnuts
Ingredients
- 2 oz whole grain pasta
- 1 cup chopped veggies
- 3 Tbls olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, , grated
- 1/3 cup walnuts, , chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the nuts and begin to lightly toast. After a few minutes add in the veggies and the garlic, saute until veggies are crisp tender, about 5 minutes. Salt and Pepper to tastes. Toss with the cooked and drained pasta.
Nutrition Information
Yield
1Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 752Total Fat 68gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 57gCholesterol 0mgSodium 343mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 9gSugar 5gProtein 12g
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Rachel Cooks says
Great cause, great post. This pasta looks delish!
Erin says
That looks delicious
Kristina says
Such a great healthy pink post! The toasted walnuts sound great with the savory garlic pasta, yum!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
This pasta looks so good, Erin! I love the toasted walnuts!
Valerie says
Simple and scrumptious (walnuts add such a wonderful texture to pasta!).
claire @ the realistic nutritionist says
OH MY GOD. This is stunning Erin!!
Alida says
Looks so delicious! Love non-fish alternatives to get those healthy fats.
kita says
Ooh, I love me walnuts but I didn’t know they were that healthy for me. More reason to nibble on them. This pasta sounds wonderful.
Cassie says
I love this one, Erin! Totally right up my alley!
Suzanne says
Nice recipe for breast cancer awareness week. I have grown to love walnuts in the recipes so I would love this pasta.
Ramona says
Now that’s what I call a healthy and beautiful pasta dish. 🙂 Great recipe for a wonderful cause. 🙂
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
I’m not much fo a walnut fun but this dish is definitely screaming out to me!
Liz says
I’ll have to make this when hubby is on-call…it looks amazing!!!
Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} says
What a great pasta! I love nuts in a pasta dish. This is both healthy and tasty – what a winning combination.
Jen Laceda @ Tartine and Apron Strings says
this is a pretty plate of pasta! just right for beautiful women all over the world!