3 Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes

Fourth of July, Healthy, In Season, Lunch, Recipes, Summer
on June 25, 2014
Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes
McKel Hill
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Pasta salads go hand in hand with summer picnics, BBQ’s, and family reunions. These classic pasta recipes have great potential to be healthy whole grain side dishes, however, it’s the toppings and dressings we choose that often turn them into calorie-laden servings. So if you’re watching your waistline, or simply opting for a nutrient-dense whole foods diet, then you’re going to love the three incredibly simple pasta dishes below.

Three Healthy Pasta Recipes

All photography by McKel Hill

I like to use gluten-free variations of pasta such as brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat (soba), or corn pasta. Of course, you can use whole-wheat pasta, but I dare you to try one of these ancient grain pastas. Also, have fun with the shapes of the pasta, I like using penne or fusilli varieties because they do a great job at catching all the good bits and dressings.

 

Garden Pasta Salad Recipe

Healthy Garden Pasta Salad Recipe

This is a light and bright pasta salad perfect for sneaking in extra vegetables at the picnic table. The crunch of the seeds and creamy avocado mix perfectly with the crunchy veggies.

 

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

This pasta is essentially your traditional, calorie-laden Italian pasta turned vegan! Summery tomatoes and fresh basil make this dish light and delicious. Try adding in chicken, beans, tempeh or other forms of protein for a boost.

 

Asian Sesame Pasta Salad

Asian Sesame Pasta Salad Recipe

This pasta is equally delicious warm or cool and great for peanut lovers. It’s rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Try adding in tofu, chicken, or edamame for added protein.

 

McKel HillMcKel Hill, MS, RD, LDN is the creator of Nutrition Stripped, a plant-based, whole foods and gluten-free food blog specializing in nourishing recipes and nutrition services. You can keep up with her on FacebookInstagramTwitter, and Pinterest.

 

 

 

 

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