How to Make Healthy Pasta Salad

Making a salad healthy or for lunch, you can add dressing without mayo or with mayo. Use spaghetti noodles and chicken, and you’ll find it here.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle work well)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

• ½ cup cucumber (diced)

• ½ cup bell peppers (diced, any color)

• ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)

• ½ cup olives (optional)

• ¼ cup feta cheese or shredded mozzarella (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon vinegar (balsamic, red wine, or apple cider)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

Before We Start

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Don’t overcook the pasta; it should still have a firm bite to prevent it from getting soggy in the salad.

• Cool the Pasta: Rinse the pasta under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.

• Dress Right Before Serving: To prevent the salad from getting soggy, add the dressing just before serving.

• Customize the Ingredients: You can add or swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Take a pot of water, bring it to a boil, and cook pasta according to the package instructions (usually 7-10 minutes). Then drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a bowl, add olive oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk well and adjust taste by testing.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a mixing bowl, combine ingredients (cooked, cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, red onions, and parsley or basil). Pour the dressing over the salad and coat evenly.

Add Cheese (Optional)
If you want, crumble cheese or sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Serve if desired.

How to Serve

After refrigerating, remove the wrap or cover. Pair with side dishes or beverages.

What Goes with Pasta Salad

Pasta salad pairs well with a few sides, mains, and even beverages to make it a more delicious meal.

Proteins
Grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, grilled shrimp or salmon, hard-boiled eggs

Vegetables
Fresh veggie platter, grilled or roasted vegetables, stuffed bell peppers

Breads
Dinner rolls, garlic bread, focaccia

Drinks
Sparkling water with citrus, lemonade, or iced tea

Related Pasta Salad

Classic Pasta Salad with Mayo

Ingredients:

• Cooked pasta (penne or rotini)

• Mayonnaise (3 tbsp)

• Chopped carrots, bell peppers, and celery

• Salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon

Steps:

1. Take a bowl, add mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and whisk. Set aside.

2. In another bowl, add carrots, bell peppers, celery, and cooked pasta. Then add the dressing bowl (which we put aside) and coat evenly.

3. Before serving, you can freeze it for better flavor, but it's done, and you can serve it warm. Enjoy!

Pasta Salad with Spaghetti Noodles

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti (cooked and cooled)

• Olive oil, minced garlic, and vinegar (for dressing)

• Chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions

Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, garlic, and vinegar.

2. In another bowl, add cooked spaghetti and vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions). Mix with the olive oil dressing and combine well. Done!

Tuna Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• Cooked pasta

• Tuna (canned, drained)

• Chopped red onion and parsley

• Olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt

Steps:

1. In a bowl, add tuna (canned, drained), veggies (parsley, red onion), and pasta.

2. Add olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and enjoy your tuna pasta salad. (If frozen, it will enhance the flavor.)

Chicken Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• Grilled or shredded chicken

• Cooked pasta

• Cherry tomatoes and spinach

• Ranch dressing or Caesar dressing

Steps:

1. In a bowl, add shredded chicken, cooked pasta, tomatoes, spinach, and mayo dressing. Combine well for an easy and quick dish.

2. You can add ranch dressing or Caesar dressing.

3. Chill (if preferred) and serve.

4-Ingredient Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• Cooked pasta

• Chopped veggies (any two of your choice)

• Store-bought Italian dressing

Steps:

1. In a bowl, add boiled pasta, veggies (carrot, bell pepper), and dressing (mayonnaise, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt). Combine evenly.

2. Chilled is a better option, but you can serve and enjoy.

   
   

Conclusion

Take a pot with enough water to boil and add the macaroni to cook, as per package instructions. After simmering, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water. Let it cool to room temperature.

While the pasta cools, grab a small bowl for the dressing. Add olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk the dressing well. Taste to test.

Then, combine the pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, red onion, and parsley. Mix to coat everything evenly.

Add cheese (if using), crumble feta, or sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 30 minutes (if you have time). If you want to serve it warm, that's okay too.

Serve and enjoy!

You’re Done with Pasta Salad!

For More Recipes, Check Out:

• How to make chicken wraps (flavorful)

• How to cook chicken breast for dinner

• How to make steak at home

• How to make rolls (tasty)

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