Name: Healthy Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 ounces rotini noodles; 3/4 cup chopped English cucumber; 3/4 cup shredded carrot; 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped); 1/2 cup diced red onion; 5 ounces sliced olives; 14 ounces cherry tomatoes (halved); 3-4 ounces pepperoni (quartered); 6 ounces fresh mozzarella (cubed); 2 ounces fresh basil (thinly sliced); Light Caesar dressing; Light Greek dressing; Salt and black pepper; Shredded parmesan cheese

Description

This Healthy Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer side dish, bursting with flavor and packed with protein. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any gathering, it combines vibrant veggies with delicious dressings to create a refreshing dish that everyone will love. The best part? It’s highly customizable—tailor it to suit your taste and dietary preferences. In just 30 minutes, this salad comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal option for busy days or meal prep. Enjoy it chilled as a main dish or as a delightful complement to grilled meats. This versatile recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces rotini noodles
3/4 cup chopped English cucumber
3/4 cup shredded carrot
1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
1/2 cup diced red onion
5 ounces sliced olives
14 ounces cherry tomatoes (halved)
3–4 ounces pepperoni (quartered)
6 ounces fresh mozzarella (cubed)
2 ounces fresh basil (thinly sliced)
Light Caesar dressing
Light Greek dressing
Salt and black pepper
Shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook rotini noodles in boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, onion, olives, cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, mozzarella, and basil.
Add light Caesar and Greek dressings; season with salt and black pepper.
Toss gently until well combined. Adjust seasonings if needed.
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with extra basil and parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 290
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For gluten-free options, swap rotini noodles for gluten-free pasta. Feel free to add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. Customize your veggies based on seasonal availability.