Our step-by-step guide includes lots of ideas for great flavor combinations to help you make a healthier pasta salad.
Choose & Cook Pasta
Whole-wheat pastaadds 2 grams of satisfying fiber per ounce of dry pasta versus white pasta.
The amount of dry pasta to start with depends on the shape.
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Cook pasta and drain (but don’t rinse).
Spread on a large baking sheet to cool.
Start with 4 cups cooked whole-wheat pasta:
2.
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Load Up on Veggies
Traditional pasta salads are made with mostly pasta.
But here atEatingWell, we suggest you use as many cups of veggies (and/or fruit) as pasta.
Add 4 cups of fresh vegetables and/or fruits:
3.
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Add 1 to 2 cups lean protein:
4.
Chop them small so you get a little bit of big flavor in each bite.
Add 1/2 to 1 cup total:
5.
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Or try a heart-healthy vinaigrette made with olive oil or canola oil.
Toss 8 cups pasta salad with 3/4 cup dressing.
Makes about 3/4 cup.
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Screw on lid and shake until well combined.
Makes a generous cup.
From creamy avocado to crunchy bell peppers, this pasta salad is full of texture and flavor.
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A homemade herb-lime vinaigrette ties everything together.
Artichoke hearts and pepperoncini add briny flavor, while fresh mozzarella lends a creamy note.
Serve this pasta salad at your next dinner party or backyard get-together.
Jen Causey
Jen Causey
