If you’re anything like me, you love a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. That’s exactly why I can’t get enough of this healthy pasta salad! It’s light, refreshing, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it the perfect dish for meal prep, quick lunches, or even a picnic with friends.
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Why I Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why this pasta salad has become a staple in my kitchen:
✔ Healthy & Balanced – It’s loaded with fiber, protein, and fresh veggies.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
✔ Super Versatile – Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – It tastes even better the next day!
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything I use to make this refreshing salad:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups whole wheat or chickpea pasta (for extra fiber and protein)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional, but so good!)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How I Make This Healthy Pasta Salad
This recipe is so simple, and it comes together in just a few steps:
1️⃣ Cook the pasta – I follow the package instructions, then drain and rinse it under cold water.
2️⃣ Prep the veggies – While the pasta cools, I chop up all the fresh ingredients.
3️⃣ Whisk the dressing – I mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4️⃣ Toss everything together – In a large bowl, I combine the pasta, veggies, and dressing, then give it a good mix.
5️⃣ Chill & serve – I like to refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before serving so the flavors really pop!
My Top Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
I’ve made this recipe countless times, so here are my best tips:
✅ Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta – It adds more fiber and protein than regular pasta.
✅ Want extra protein? – Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp to make it even more filling.
✅ Make it vegan – Just skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
✅ Boost the flavor – A sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze makes this even better!
How I Store My Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is great for meal prep, so I always make a big batch!
🥗 Refrigeration – I store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. ❄ No Freezing – Freezing changes the texture of the pasta and veggies, so I don’t recommend it. 🌿 Freshen It Up – If the salad dries out, I just add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving.
More Healthy Picnic Recipes I Love
If you’re planning a picnic or meal prep session, here are a few other healthy recipes I swear by:
🍃 Quinoa & Avocado Salad – A refreshing, protein-packed salad.
🥣 Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – So simple and full of flavor.
🌯 Grilled Veggie Wraps – Perfect for a light and healthy lunch.
Last Words
This healthy pasta salad is not only easy to make but also bursting with fresh flavors and packed with nutritious ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a side dish for a BBQ, or a meal prep favorite, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Try it out and let me know how you customize it to make it your own! For more healthy recipes, check out my collection of easy and delicious picnic dishes. Happy cooking! 😊
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Healthy Pasta Salad – A Fresh & Flavourful Dish
Description
This Healthy Pasta Salad is fresh, light, and packed with nutritious ingredients! Whether you need a quick lunch, side dish, or meal prep idea, this salad is perfect. Made with whole wheat pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
For the Salad
For the Dressing
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
-
Prepare the Veggies
Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
-
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Mix Everything
In a large bowl, combine pasta, veggies, and dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
-
Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor!
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Sodium 250mg11%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 12g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
