Healthy Pasta Salad

This salad screams summer! Super simple and full of healthy vegetables and nutrients to accompany any meal. Perfect for your upcoming Labor Day holiday picnic, BBQ or any summer gathering! Can be served as an entrée when topped with cheese, tuna or grilled meat too.

Healthy Pasta Salad

Yield: 8 – 10 servings

Ingredients:

1 12-ounce box regular or gluten free pasta, cooked. Tri-Colored Rigatoni or Farfalle preferred.
1 carrot, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1⁄2 large red onion, diced
2 – 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green, yellow or red pepper, diced (or assorted small gourmet)
1⁄2 cucumber, sliced and cubed
1 bunch broccoli, cut into small florets (~1 1⁄2 cups)
1-pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1 6-ounce can sliced black olives, drained
1 cup bottled (or homemade) low fat salad dressing, Zesty Italian, Caesar or Creamy Italian
4 – 5 leaves fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional ingredients:

1 cup grated or cubed cheese
5 slices cooked & crumbled bacon
1 can flaked tuna or chicken, water-packed and drained

Equipment needed:

Large pot for boiling pasta
Colander for pasta
Chef knife
Cutting board
Strainer
Small bowl
Plastic wrap
Liquid measuring cup
Measuring spoons
Large mixing bowl
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon

I decided to repost this recipe since it’s one of my all time favorites!! I love making and eating this healthy pasta salad! All the colors, textures, shapes and flavor! Perfect meal appeal. This is my go to recipe for family gatherings, potluck dinners and summer meals. I always have a summer garden, so it’s a great way to use vegetables. Just a bitof chopping and mixing and your dish is ready to serve. I generally make it earlier in the day sothe flavors have a chance to meld together by dinner time. I’ve also made it the day before if I have to take it with me early the following day. Pretty versatile too... if you have other veggies to toss in, use those too! While the pasta is cooking, you are chopping! Only takes about 30 minutes or less to put together. Perfect summer salad, so why buy it when you can make it! Grab your veggies and start chopping!

Super easy…

1) So to begin the salad making process you will need a box of cooked pasta. I generally use tri-colored rigatoni for the color and meal appeal. Shapes are so much fun... pick the one you love best that is not too large in size. I often open the cabinet and pick what I have too! Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente or slightly chewy. Don’t over cook the pasta as it will fall apart when stirring in all the ingredients.

2) As the pasta is cooking, chop all the veggies and set aside. I love using small tomatoes as they hold their shape better than chopped larger tomatoes. Slice each in half.

** I also blanch my broccoli to bring out the bright green color. To do this easily, place the broccoli florets in a small bowl with a tablespoon of water. Cover with plastic and vent the corner. Microwave on high for 1 – 1 1⁄2 minutes. Drain in a strainer and run cold water over it to cool it quickly and stop the cooking process.

3) When the pasta is ready, drain in a colander or strainer, run under cold water until room temperature. Drain well.

Pretty easy so far? Now for the assembly!

4) Place the drained pasta into a large mixing bowl. I have often used a large plastic or glass bowl with a snap on lid too! Add all the chopped vegetables and stir to combine. Add the dressing, herbs and seasonings and mix until well blended. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

5) Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. If refrigerating for longer, periodically stir to distribute dressing that may have settled to the bottom of the bowl.

** Often, just prior to serving… I add a little more dressing to brighten the salad and add additional flavor!

Your salad it ready!!

It’s so colorful? Go ahead and pop a piece of pasta in your mouth... pure heaven! Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or parsley. Serve it with grilled pork tenderloin, chicken or fish. Add chunks of cheese for a meat-free meal. Everyone loves bacon... a great variation too! Anyway you serve it will be spectacular I’m sure... Enjoy!!