Healthy Pasta Salad
This fresh, easy pasta salad comes together in under 30 minutes. Easily customized to fit your preferences, this simple & versatile salad makes for a well-balanced summer meal!
It’s about that time of year when we all start to migrate outdoors for summer barbeques. Every cookout needs a great pasta salad, and this is the one I’ll be bringing all summer long.
While traditional pasta salads are lacking in fiber & protein this fun twist on the classic is loaded with whole grains, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables. By swapping mayo for an olive oil-based dressing, using Banza (chickpea) pasta instead of white and adding over 3 cups of fresh veggies, this nutritionally dense side far surpasses traditional pasta salad both nutritionally, and dare I even say in flavor?
Let’s compare:
Traditional mayo-based pasta salad per 1 cup:
Calories: 360 calories
Fat: 19 grams
Carbs: 40 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 5 grams
Versus…
Healthy pasta salad per 1 cup:
Calories: 200 calories
Fat: 12 grams
Carbs: 18 grams
Fiber: 5 grams
Protein: 8 grams
Although usually served as a side, and already protein fortified due to the chickpea pasta, an additional source of protein can make this feel more a main dish. Shredded chicken, cooked tofu or beans can all easily be added to this recipe!
Whether you’re bringing it to a barbecue, meal prepping for lunches or sharing it at dinner, this recipe makes eating healthy a breeze!
Healthy Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 box Banza pasta
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1/3 - 1/2 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to box instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop all the vegetables as described above.
- Once cooled, combine the pasta, vegetables and dressing in a large bowl.
- Mix until well combined and serve!
Notes:
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serve as a side of add a source of protein and serve as a meal! Both shredded chicken & beans can easily be added to this recipe to the boost protein.
Calories
200Fat (grams)
12Carbs (grams)
18Fiber (grams)
5Protein (grams)
8