Vegan Southwest Pasta Salad Recipe

People who suffer from chronic pain also have inflammation. While medication and other treatments are important in treating your condition, food is another important factor in improving your overall health.

Anti-inflammatory foods and diet are primarily whole grains, plant based proteins, fish, nuts, vegetables and fruits. Many experimental studies have shown that components of food have significant anti-inflammatory benefits, which can reduce inflammation and pain.

Meals rich in anti-inflammatory benefits can be easy to make and affordable. Here's a quick pasta recipe that you can make several meals out of:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz farfalle pasta
• 1 cup black beans
• 1 cup corn
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut into halves
• 1 orange bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 avocado, cut into medium sized chunks
• 1/2 cup cilantro chopped

Lime Dressing:

• 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon water
• black pepper and salt to taste

Cook the pasta according to the instructions and then rinse with cold water. In a large bowl combine all ingredients for the dressing. Add the ingredients for the pasta and stir well. Let the salad refrigerate before serving for 2-hours.