Looking for a hearty, easy-to-make recipe that’s loaded with fresh from-the-garden ingredients? Try our Greek Tortellini Salad. Perfect for potlucks and parties, but also great for a comforting dish at home, this recipe combines ingredients that work in unison to support gut health. We use Lifeway Farmer Cheese and Lifeway Kefir to give this dish an extra bit of flavor and a pop of protein and probiotics. The cucumbers, tomatoes, and artichokes are loaded with prebiotic fiber, which fuels those probiotics. It’s a tasty combination that you’re going to love. But make extra. This dish holds up in the fridge and makes for fantastic leftovers.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = A Healthier You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates that are a source of fiber that are naturally found in a variety of plant foods[b]. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems. Lifeway Oat contains both prebiotics and probiotics for optimal gut and brain health.
Prep Time: 15 mins Servings: 6-8Ingredients
- 3 cups of any tortellini of choice
- 1 cup roasted red pepper
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup olives
- 1/2 cup Farmer Cheese
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- salt/pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp . Plain Lowfat Kefir
Directions
- Cook the tortellini according to package details.
- Dice peppers, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and olives and set them in a big bowl. Add in the artichoke hearts and cooked tortellini.
- Mix together all ingredients for the dressing and drizzle over the vegetables in the bowl. It holds up well in the fridge, so you can keep up to 5-7 days.