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–+ servings
Healthy Pasta Salad

Refreshing Healthy Pasta Salad for a Vibrant Summer Bite

This Healthy Pasta Salad is bursting with vibrant flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Fusilli Pasta Can substitute with rotini or gluten-free pasta
For the Salad
  • 8 oz Mini Mozzarella Balls Alternatively, use chopped or halved fresh mozzarella
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can use regular or plum tomatoes if needed
  • 0.5 cup Red Onion Optional; offers sharp flavor
  • 1 cup Cucumber English cucumbers are ideal; remove seeds for less water
  • 0.5 cup Black Olives Omit or substitute with green or kalamata olives
  • 0.25 cup Chopped Parsley Basil can be used as a substitute
  • 4 oz Diced Salami Omit for vegetarian option
  • 1 cup Diced Red Bell Pepper Can substitute with other bell pepper colors
For the Dressing
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice Avoid bottled juice
  • 3 Tbsp Olive Oil Can replace with avocado oil
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard Whole grain mustard works as a substitute
  • 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup Honey can be a direct substitute
  • Black Pepper Seasoning to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mason Jar or Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • spatula

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water, add fusilli pasta, and cook until al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a mason jar or bowl, combine thyme, oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and black pepper. Shake or whisk until emulsified.
  3. Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Dice salami if using and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add cooled pasta to the bowl with chopped ingredients, sprinkle in black olives and parsley, and gently fold together.
  5. Pour dressing over pasta salad, mix gently to ensure all ingredients are coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For the best texture, dress the salad just before serving to prevent sogginess. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

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