Wheat flour seems virtuous compared to its white counterpart but not when it contains the weed killer glyphosate. Glyphosate is a common herbicide linked to a number of health concerns including kidney and liver damage, fertility issues and endocrine disruption. You can avoid it by purchasing organic wheat flour and wheat flour products. Or look for wheat flour products labelled glyphosate-free. Italian and most European flours do not contain glyphosate. My Italian Pasta Salad recipe with glyphosate-free pasta is perfect for a late-summer bounty of local tomatoes and basil. Buon appetito!

Ingredients for Salad:

• 1-pound dried Italian tri-color fusilli

• 4-6 garlic cloves, crushed to a paste

• 1 tsp sea salt and a pinch

• 1/2 tbsp fresh cracked black pepper

• 1/2 cup EVOO

• 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar (I recommend Batistini Farms)

• 2 pints multi-colored cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 bunch basil chopped

• 1/2 cup pine nuts toasted

• 1 cup microgreens or arugula

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta al dente, drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

2. Using a mortar and pestle, crush garlic with salt and pepper to a paste. Add the oil and vinegar.

3. In a large bowl combine pasta, dressing, tomatoes, basil, pine nuts and greens. Mix well. Season to taste.

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