My Favorite Healthy Pasta Salad for Summer

Here are some delicious, no-mayo-required options to spice up your summer: this refreshing recipe is a perfect addition to your outdoor gatherings or meal planning routine. Crafted with a mere 9 uncomplicated components, this dish swiftly assembles in mere minutes.
Contents
Ingredients Needed Make This Salad Your Own Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to get your daily dose of veggies? Try making this healthy pasta salad! Simply cook some whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions.Brittany’s Recipe Tips Storing Pasta Salad Serving Suggestions More Healthy Salads

Here’s a refreshing take on a classic: introducing my family’s beloved summer pasta salad, now reimagined for your health-conscious delight!

While my mother’s treasured recipe originally relied on the creamy tang of Miracle Whip, I opted to create a more EBF-friendly alternative by substituting a rich olive oil-based balsamic dressing with the added brightness of fresh basil. While the majority of the salad’s components remain consistent, what sets this particular creation apart is its…

I’m sure Mom will appreciate the thoughtful gesture: you’re leaving the 1/2 teaspoon of sugar in its rightful place within the recipe, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors for her enjoyment. Perhaps it’s simply wistfulness, but I firmly believe that this unique ingredient imbues the salad with an unmistakable je ne sais quoi. By opting for coconut sugar, I aimed to maintain a more natural and unprocessed approach. 🙂

You simply must give this a shot.

This isn’t just any ordinary pasta salad, elevated by a simple yet effective drizzle of vinaigrette. This salad is a symphony of flavors, with its vibrant freshness and satisfying crunch, expertly offset by a harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess. With its versatility in tow, this dish has become my go-to companion for casual gatherings, a reliable staple for meal prep, and an impromptu snack that satisfies my cravings whenever I crave something familiar. This magic eraser seemingly performs flawlessly in all situations, effortlessly vanishing with remarkable speed.

Ingredients Needed

This fresh-tasting pasta salad truly shines with its vibrant flavors and textures. This dish isn’t just effortless to prepare, requiring a mere few staples and boasting an incredibly vibrant flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. This recipe yields an abundance of servings, making it ideal for sharing with a large group.

I suggest opting for penne or rotini pasta, though alternative short shapes can still yield a successful dish.
These tiny ingredients bring a burst of flavor to the salad.
and– for some added crunch.
balsamic dressing A vinaigrette dressing made with the harmonious blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, coconut sugar, crushed red pepper, and sea salt, offering a tangy yet subtle flavor profile perfect for elevating any dish.

Make This Salad Your Own

Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins in this pasta salad recipe – I love trying out new combinations myself! The versatility of a veggie-based dish! Sometimes, I experiment with different vegetables depending on what’s available in my kitchen. What a challenge lies ahead?
If you’ve successfully prepared this dish using chickpea pasta as a high-protein, gluten-free alternative in the past, that’s another viable choice to consider.
While personal preference plays a significant role in the perfect pairing, I must confess that the balsamic dressing complements this salad exceptionally well – yet, I also acknowledge that any dressing can be a suitable substitute in a bind. Choose from our signature Greek Salad Dressing, a rich white balsamic vinaigrette, or a tangy lemon vinaigrette for your salad.

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to get your daily dose of veggies? Try making this healthy pasta salad! Simply cook some whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions.

Prepare your pasta according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

As the pasta cooks, simultaneously prepare the dressing by thoroughly whisking all components in a compact bowl.

Combine cooked pasta with a medley of fresh flavors in a substantial bowl, featuring the vibrant colors of juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumber slices, and pungent onion rings.

Toss the mixture gently with a spatula until every component is evenly dressed.

Brittany’s Recipe Tips

Before you combine all the ingredients, consider these simple tweaks to elevate your salad from great to exceptional.

Season the noodles before serving – this is your one opportunity. It makes a big difference.
To prevent warm pasta from absorbing excessive dressing and becoming mushy, consider tossing the pasta with a small amount of olive oil or cooking liquid first, then add your desired dressing to taste? I typically quicken the process by rinsing the item under a stream of cold water.
The flavors meld together beautifully after a few hours of refrigeration, resulting in an even more satisfying and refreshing salad experience. As the ingredients combine, the flavors have ample opportunity to harmonize and the dressing effectively infuses itself into the dish.

Storing Pasta Salad

You can prepare the salad the night before and allow it to chill in the refrigerator until serving time.

Store any leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile pasta salad is a great accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. I relish the opportunity to serve this dish as a side accompaniment to summer gatherings, impromptu meals, or quick weeknight repasts. This tangy and creamy condiment pairs exquisitely with a variety of grilled meats and vegetables. Here’s some ideas: