Healthy Pasta Salad

Rich in protein and easy to make, this Healthy Pasta Salad is a favorite summer recipe and the BEST pasta salad you’ve ever had. This is a side dish that is better to make in advance and you can customize it with your favorite seasonal veggies!

What better way to celebrate the sun shining brighter and temperature rising than with a delicious and refreshing Healthy Pasta Salad? Bursting with vibrant colors, fresh veggies, and a flavorful creamy dressing, this noodle salad is the quintessential dish for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, and any summer occasion.

So what makes this the best healthy pasta salad? It’s extra hearty with the added protein and healthy fats, loaded with a heavy dose of veggies, and uses lite caesar and Greek dressing for a bite you can feel good about!

Plus it only uses one pot and one large bowl making cleanup so easy! We love this side dish for party prep since it’s better when it’s made in advance, because it allows the flavors of the salad to marinate together before serving.

We make this healthy pasta salad several times every summer, it’s the side dish that all of our family and friends ask for. Serve it with our viral Macaroni Salad and Cranberry Broccoli Salad for the perfect potluck experience!

This pasta salad is so delicious!! -Phyllis

Why You’ll like this Recipe

• Better to Make this Dish in Advance. Pasta salad tastes even better when made in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. It also makes for easier entertaining!
• Quick and Easy 20 Minute Preparation. With minimal cooking required, classic pasta salad comes together quickly and easily.
• Hearty and Healthy Side Dish. It’s rich in protein and packed full of fresh vegetables, so it’s a super filling addition to any meal! Make it its own meal by simply adding chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
• Use Your Favorite Veggies and Proteins. With a wide range of fresh ingredients to choose from, you can customize this summer salad recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. From colorful vegetables to savory meats and cheeses, the possibilities are endless.

Laura Ashley’s Tip: Make this pasta salad a couple of hours ahead of time and store in the fridge. This allows the flavors to marinate together for an even more delicious bite!

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card Below

• Rotini Pasta: Serves as the base of the salad, providing a sturdy and textured noodle shape that holds onto the dressing and other ingredients.
• Vegetables (fresh cucumber, carrot, yellow bell pepper, red onion, olives, sweet cherry or grape tomatoes): Adds color, flavor, and texture.
• Pepperoni: Adds a savory and slightly spicy kick to the salad.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Cubed fresh mozzarella or mozzarella balls offer a creamy and mild flavor and adds richness and creaminess.
• Fresh Basil: Infuses the salad with fresh, herbaceous notes.
• Caesar Dressing: Provides a creamy and tangy dressing base.
• Greek Dressing: Adds a zesty and tangy twist to the salad.
• Parmesan Cheese: Finishes off the salad with a salty and nutty flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups
• Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Large Stockpot
• Rotary Grater

How to Make Healthy Pasta Salad

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta to the boiling water and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, veggies, pepperoni, mozzarella, fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and both dressings.

2. Toss until well combined. Taste and adjust flavors as desired.
3. Transfer to a serving dish or large bowl. Garnish with additional fresh basil and parmesan cheese if desired.
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Expert Tips and Substitutions

• Try other Mix-ins: This pasta salad is highly customizable. Besides the ingredients I used, here are some more ingredients you could incorporate:
  • Blanched Asparagus
  • Blanched or Raw Broccoli or Cauliflower
  • Red Peppers or Green Peppers
  • Kalamata Olives, Black Olives, Sundried Tomatoes
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Fresh Parsley and Green Onions
  • Chickpeas
  • Zucchini and Squash
  • Radishes or Sugar snap peas
  • Fresh Corn
  • Edamame and Beans
  • Crispy Bacon
  • Cheese (Feta Cheese or Cheddar Cheese)
• Prepare in Advance: Have all of your salad ingredients chopped and measured first for quicker assembly and a lesser chance of error.
• Make it a Meal: You can make this pasta salad a meal by simply pairing it with a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, ham, tofu or steak.
• Use your Favorite Vinegar-Based Dressing: Vinegar-based dressing varieties like Italian dressing, balsamic vinaigrette, ranch dressing, Caesar dressing, or a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing all work great.
• Try a Creamy Pasta Salad: Mayonnaise-based dressings are also popular for creamy pasta salads too. Add the dressing gradually and toss well to coat. You can always add more dressing as needed, but it’s harder to remove excess dressing once added.

Cooking Noodles Correctly for Pasta Salad

The key to making pasta for a cold noodle salad is to cook it al dente and then quickly cool it down to stop the cooking process. Here’s all of our secret tips to the best method:

• Choose the Right Pasta Shape: Opt for a pasta shape that will hold onto the dressing and other ingredients well. Rotini, fusilli, penne, and farfalle are all excellent choices.
• Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water to season the pasta as it cooks.
• Cook Al Dente: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it’s cooked through but still firm to the bite. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to absorb moisture from the dressing in the salad, and you don’t want mushy pasta.
• Rinse Under Cold Water: Once the pasta is cooked, immediately drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold running water. Rinsing the pasta stops the cooking process and helps cool it down quickly, preventing it from becoming mushy and sticky.
• Drain Well: Make sure to drain the pasta well to remove any excess water.

Storage

Store healthy pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days. The pasta tends to soak up the dressing the longer it’s stored. If needed, toss with additional dressing. This is not a freeze and thaw friendly dish.

Make this pasta salad up to a few hours in advance to store in the fridge. Trust us when we say it’s even more delicious this way!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Salad Recipes

• Best Macaroni Salad
• Greek Spaghetti Salad
• Classic Potato Salad
• Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad
• Italian Pasta Salad