Description
Stay cool this summer with a vibrant SUMMER PASTA SALAD that is both refreshing and nutritious. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light meal at home. Bursting with colorful vegetables, lean protein, and whole grain pasta, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the season’s best produce. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a salad that’s not only delicious but also packed with flavor and health benefits. Customize it easily with your favorite ingredients to make it your own!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 lb whole grain pasta
- 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1/2 large cucumber
- Bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 large red onion
- 2 chicken breasts (grilled or rotisserie style, chopped)
- 1/3 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Italian salad dressing
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon pimenton or smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- Pinch garlic powder
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot.
- Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Pour into a colander to drain the water; rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, add all chopped vegetables including cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and olives if using.
- Toss in the drained pasta along with chopped grilled chicken; mix well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture.
- Toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- If desired, sprinkle additional Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling/Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg