SUMMER PASTA SALAD
Keep cool this summer with a fresh pasta salad. Combine fresh vegetables, lean protein and whole grain pasta for an easy, healthy & delicious dinner.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 596kcal
Ingredients
Salad
- ½ lb. whole grain pasta (use gluten-free pasta if needed)
- ½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- ½ large cucumber, peeled and diced
- ½ - 1 red bell pepper or a combination of red yellow and orange bell peppers, diced
- ½ large red or sweet onion, diced
- 1 small can sliced ripe olives, drained (optional)
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup arugula, chopped (optional)
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled or rotisserie style, chopped
Dressing
- 8 oz favorite Italian salad dressing
- ¼ cup Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon pimenton or smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- Pinch garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to directions on box. Pour into colander, rinse and let drain.
- In a large bowl, combine all vegetables then toss with pasta. Add chicken and mix well.
- In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients together.
- Pour over pasta salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with additional Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Garnish with fresh basil.
Nutrition
Calories: 596kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 830mg | Potassium: 1079mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 2260IU | Vitamin C: 84.2mg | Calcium: 157mg | Iron: 4.4mg
