12+ Amazing Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Want to Make Today!
If you think pasta salads are all about heavy dressings and boring flavors, think again! These vibrant and healthy recipes will change your mind and make your taste buds dance. Packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or a picnic in the park.
Imagine a bright, sunny day and the delightful flavors of the Mediterranean dancing on your palate. This salad combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa pasta with fresh veggies and tangy feta cheese, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
8 oz quinoa pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup olives, sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
This salad is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for summer gatherings. The quinoa pasta adds a nutty flavor and a hearty texture, while the fresh veggies bring a lovely crunch. The olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing ties everything together beautifully, making every bite a delightful explosion of flavors!
Rich, creamy avocado and zesty pesto come together in this unique pasta salad that’s sure to impress. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic dish with a twist, making it both healthy and indulgent at the same time. Your friends will be asking for the recipe, trust me!
8 oz whole wheat pasta
2 ripe avocados
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Cherry tomatoes, for garnish
This dish is creamy without any heavy creams, thanks to the ripe avocados. The homemade pesto adds a fresh and vibrant flavor that will make you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant. Toss in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color, and you’ve got a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, this Asian-inspired pasta salad will hit the spot. With its crunchy veggies and savory sesame dressing, it’s a wonderful mix of textures and flavors that leaves you wanting more. Perfect for a light lunch or side dish!
This salad is a burst of color and flavor, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. The soba noodles are light and chewy, perfectly complementing the crunchy veggies. The sesame dressing is a beautiful blend of sweet and salty that brings everything together in the most delightful way!
Who doesn’t love a classic Caprese salad? This pasta version takes the traditional Italian dish and makes it even more filling and enjoyable. With fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, it’s a celebration of flavors that you can enjoy any time of year.
8 oz pasta (your choice)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup balsamic glaze
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
This dish is super easy to make and perfect for meal prep! The combination of creamy mozzarella and sweet tomatoes is simply irresistible, and the fresh basil adds a lovely aroma. Drizzling with balsamic glaze gives it that final touch of sweetness that will have you dreaming about this salad long after it’s gone!
Rating: 3.8. Ingredients: 30 min Total Time: 30 min.
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Take a trip to Mexico with this vibrant and flavorful pasta salad that captures the essence of street corn. It’s packed with spices, cheese, and a hint of lime that will brighten your day. This dish is not only delicious but also a fun twist on traditional pasta salads!
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups corn (fresh, grilled, or canned)
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
This pasta salad is a fun and unique dish that brings the flavors of Mexican street food right to your table. The combination of sweet corn, creamy cheese, and zesty lime creates a mouthwatering experience. It’s a fantastic side for any barbecue or gathering, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
