So let’s say Pasta la vista to boring meals! And dive into this vibrant bowl of veg-packed goodness that is nutritious, refreshingly light, and irresistibly tasty!
This delightfully healthy recipe promises to satisfy and energize you all day and allows you to discover a world of deliciousness that nourishes the body and soul! It’s my time-tested recipe and is always a hit at my dinner table! The veggies such as bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions lend their vibrant hues and furnish essential vitamins and minerals to boost your well-being. A generous sprinkle of chopped herbs infuses this recipe with a fresh and delightful fragrance that tickles the taste buds.
Quick and easy to make A fantastic choice for a light lunch or a side Great for the outdoors, picnics, potlucks, or at any gathering Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients Flavorful and contains no complicated ingredients Very versatile Vegan version possible Will effortlessly impress both your taste buds and your health-conscious friends!
And the best part is that the flavorful dressing makes a pretty bold presence without being too overpowering and adds flavor to the whole dish, as the pasta and veggies are bland in taste.
Feta Cheese — Adding some creaminess to the salad makes it completely irresistible. Feta cheese adds a nice creamy touch to the pasta salad that hypes the overall flavor of the salad. You can also add halved mini mozzarella cheese balls for more deliciousness and fun. However, if you have a vegan crowd, consider skipping it altogether. Salt and pepper — Flavorings such as salt and pepper elevate the taste of this healthy pasta salad. To amp up the flavor instantly, feel free to add more spices like oregano or mint leaves. Oil — Any favorite neutral oil can be used for this healthy delicacy. However, olive oil works the best. Another great option would be Avocado oil. The dressing clings to the texture of the pasta, making it more flavorful. You can use gluten-free pasta for your gluten-intolerant guests, thereby giving this recipe some dietary adjustments without compromising on the taste. A flavorful variation: — You can use Dijon or whole-grain mustard for added nutritional value and a pop of flavor. Dijon mustard is nutrient-rich and has a mellow flavor compared to yellow mustard, making it a better choice for salads. Herbs for more flavor and color — Adding herbs to a healthy pasta salad is a great way to enhance its taste, texture, and nutritional value. Cilantro is added to this Pasta salad which takes it to another level. However, you can feel free to swap cilantro for fresh parsley, mint, or even fresh basil. But before adding fresh herbs to the recipe, please make sure they are washed, dried, and chopped. Also, save some for the last as a garnish. The Pasta salad looks prettier and more flavorful when finished with fresh chopped herbs. Imagine the little pecks of green on a colorful pasta salad – mouth-watering, right?
To be safe, you can substitute the homemade dressing for a store-bought bottle of Chipotle dressing, and you will have an excellent salad in no time. Impress the Vegans — You can skip the Chipotle dressing and have an oil-vinegar-based dressing for this salad to please your vegan guests. Red wine vinegar and EVOO add a bright acidic touch that gives a magical twist to this salad. Any classic vinaigrette dressing will also work great. Want something wonderful? Toss in the Basil-pesto and enjoy the amazing flavors! Turn on the spiciness — This healthy pasta salad recipe is a moderate spice version. However, you can spice up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeno, or even chopped pepperoncini peppers. Preventing the pasta from drying out — Once tossed, keep your cold pasta salad wholly covered to avoid drying out. No-cook pasta makes a great choice: — Use no-cook pasta for this recipe, as no cooking is required. Just toss the pre-cooked rotini pasta in a bowl and warm it in the microwave. When cooled to room temperature, toss it with your freshly prepped veggies. Finish off with dressing and serve it right away. Add the dressing an hour before serving the salad, and let it chill in the fridge. The chilling will allow enough time for the dressing to mingle with the other ingredients and let the pasta absorb flavor, making the pasta salad superbly delicious.
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make the best Healthy Pasta Salad
A versatile and healthy recipe as this Pasta Salad is always great as a snack or a nutritious meal. So, let us gather our ingredients and get started. I promise you will love every moment of this recipe as much as I did. And don’t forget to share it with your family and friends.
MORE COMFORTING ONE-POT RECIPES THAT YOU’LL LOVE!
