There are some foods that do not fit into a MyPlate food group because some of our foods are combination foods, which means that they go into more than one food group. For example, a chicken taco has a vegetable, the lettuce, a grain, the taco shell, a protein, the chicken, and if you chose to add cheese on top, a dairy. 

My Plate Pasta Salad Recipe:

Serves 6

• ½ lb. (8 oz.) whole wheat pasta (vegetable)
• 1 red pepper (fruit)
• 1 cucumber (fruit)
• 1 large carrot (vegetable)
• 1 can of chickpeas (protein)
• ¼ cup of parmesan cheese (dairy)

To dress: ½ cup of your favorite low-fat or light dressing

You’ll also need: a pot and a strainer, a cutting mat/board and a knife, a can opener, a grater, a large bowl, a pot, a strainer, and a mixing spoon!

*have an adult help cook the pasta ahead of time

1. Wash vegetables and fruit with cold water
2. Using a cutting board and knife while paying attention very carefully: dice the red pepper, slice the cucumber into circles, and grate your carrot
3. In a large bowl combine your cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and chickpeas. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
4. Mix in the dressing, serve, and enjoy!