Whole grain pasta makes an easy, versatile no-salt-added base. Enjoy it simply dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley, then add cayenne pepper for a little kick or fresh basil for an earthy, pungent flavor boost.

Ingredients

• Whole grain pasta (choose a variety without added salt)
• Olive oil, a little to coat the pasta
• Fresh or dried parsley, to taste
• Lemon juice, to taste
• Optional: cayenne pepper, for a little kick
• Optional: fresh basil leaves, for an earthy, pungent flavor boost

Instructions

1. Cook whole grain pasta in unsalted boiling water according to the package directions, until tender to your liking.
2. Drain, reserving a splash of pasta water if desired.
3. While warm, toss with a little olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help the dressing coat the noodles.
4. For a little heat, sprinkle in cayenne pepper to taste.
5. For an earthy, pungent flavor boost, tear fresh basil leaves over the pasta just before serving.

Why it works

Whole grain pasta is satisfying enough to eat on its own and mild enough to pair with other dishes. Olive oil coats the noodles, lemon juice brightens the flavor, and parsley brings a fresh herbal note. Cayenne adds heat, while basil offers a more aromatic finish.

No salt is added during preparation. Check pasta and seasoning labels for sodium content; naturally occurring sodium may still be present.