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    Home » Side Dish » Healthy Italian Pasta Salad

    Published: Jun 22, 2014 · Modified: Jun 16, 2020 by Lisa Johnson

    Healthy Italian Pasta Salad

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    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please visit my disclosure page.

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    Healthy Italian Pasta Salad | cookingwithcurls.com

    I had a hard time deciding on the perfect side dish to serve with the Turkey on Ciabatta with Sun-dried Tomato Aioli, Provolone, and Arugula sandwiches from this month's Cooking with Astrology "Cancer" meal. I almost went with a green salad to try and keep things light, but ultimately this Healthy Italian Pasta Salad won out. I left out the mayonnaise and cheese.....

    Light and delicious Healthy Italian Pasta Salad is the perfect summer side dish | cookingwithcurls.com

    and used Barrilla Plus multigrain Rotini for an added boost of protein, fiber, and Omega-3. I also added a homemade Italian Dressing that is loaded with fresh herbs and tons of flavor!

    Italian Dressing | cookingwithcurls.com

    How to make Healthy Italian Pasta Salad:

    While the pasta is cooking, thinly slice the zucchini and grate the carrots. Add to a large bowl.....

    Healthy Italian Pasta Salad bowl cookingwithcurls.com

    along with the sliced olives, green onions, tomatoes, and cooled pasta. Add 1/2 cup of Italian Dressing, and toss to combine.....

    Healthy Italian Pasta Salad mix cookingwithcurls.com

    Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Double check to see how much dressing has been absorbed. If pasta seems dry, add additional dressing.....

    Healthy Italian Pasta Salad | cookingwithcurls.com

    Sprinkle with chopped basil or Italian parsley, if desired.

    This pasta salad is lighter than you would expect, and full of Italian flavors. We wouldn't want to be too full to enjoy our fun picnic date.....

    Cooking with Astrology #Cancer | cookingwithcurls.com

    Picnic Tips:

    Don't forget to take a large blanket to sit on. Waterproof is nice is the grass is damp.

    A couple of pillows for lounging around.

    A throw blanket just in case the temperatures drop. Also good for snuggling. 😉

    Sunscreen if you plan on being outdoors for an extended period of time.

    A Frisbee, or other toys for playing between courses.

    And of course, a big basket to carry your goodies.

    Cooking with Astrology Cancer Picnic | cookingwithcurls.com | Italian Pasta Salad, Cherry Lemonade, Tropical Cantaloupe Salad, and Turkey on Ciabatta with Sun-dried Tomato Aioli

    A cutting board or tray is handy to keep your food from falling over in the uneven grass.

    You might want to also bring along some bottled water to keep from getting dehydrated.

    more delicious pasta salad recipes:

    • Mediterranean Pasta Salad
    • Antipasto Salad
    • My Original Italian Pasta Salad
    • Hawaiian Potato Salad - yes it does have pasta as well

    Our Cancer picnic recipes:

    • Turkey on Ciabatta with Sun-dried Tomato Aioli, Arugula, and Provolone
    • Cherry Lemonade
    • Tropical Cantaloupe Salad

    Enjoy!!

    Healthy Italian Pasta Salad | cookingwithcurls.com

    Healthy Italian Pasta Salad

    This Healthy Italian Pasta Salad is perfect for summer cookouts and picnics. It's light and flavorful, so it won't weigh you down!
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    Print Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: pasta, salad, italian, recipe, zucchini, healthy,
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4 Servings
    Calories: 324kcal
    Author: Lisa Johnson

    Ingredients

    • ½ pound pasta of your choice cooked,drained and rinsed, (I used Barilla Plus Rotini)
    • 1 medium zucchini thinly sliced
    • 1 cup grated carrots
    • 1 cup grape tomatoes
    • ¼ cup sliced olives
    • 3 green onions chopped
    • ½ cup Italian Dressing
    • sea salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
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    Instructions

    • Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
    • Place in the refrigerator to chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
    • If pasta seems dry, add additional dressing.

    Notes

    The pasta will soak in the Italian Dressing as it chills. You may need to add additional dressing if it is too dry.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 455mg | Potassium: 494mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 5875IU | Vitamin C: 17.5mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1.3mg
    « Turkey on Ciabatta with Sun-dried Tomato Aioli
    Tropical Cantaloupe Salad »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

      June 24, 2014 at 12:13 pm

      This looks like the PERFECT picnic, Lisa! Love the healthy twist on the pasta salad (although, as a Cancer, I am a little put out there is no pizza or cheese to be found 😉 ). Pinned!

      Reply
      • Lisa Johnson says

        June 25, 2014 at 11:58 pm

        Wait, there is provolone on the sandwich! The sun-dried tomato aioli is similar to pizza sauce, lol. You could always add mozzarella to the Italian pasta salad as well. 😉 I will definitely keep that in mind for next year!!

        Reply
    2. Lori Hart says

      July 09, 2014 at 11:57 am

      You post some of the best recipes. I found this one over at Cast Party Wednesday. Would love it if you'd link it to my party. Thanks http://bit.ly/1jlh94r. Have a wonderful day!

      Reply
    3. Allie says

      July 09, 2014 at 11:59 am

      I love me a good pasta salad, I will for sure be trying this! I'd love it if you shared this at "Worthwhile Wednesdays" http://thecraftiestallie.blogspot.com/2014/07/worthwhile-wednesdays-25.html
      ~Allie

      Reply

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