5 Irresistible Healthy Easy Cold Pasta Salad Recipes For Lunch

Pasta salads are the perfect dish for any gathering, especially in the summer. Whether you’re preparing for a potluck, a picnic, or a quick weeknight dinner, cold pasta salad recipes are always a hit. In this post, we’ll explore 5 easy cold pasta salad recipes, each featuring unique flavors and ingredients, from tri-color pasta salad to classic Italian pasta salad. Whether you’re looking for a simple, healthy, or indulgent option, we’ve got you covered!

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1. Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of rotini or bowtie pasta
• 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup of black olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup of green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup of Italian dressing
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of water and cook the rotini or bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the Veggies: Slice the cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and bell pepper. Cube the mozzarella cheese.
3. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the vegetables, mozzarella, and Italian dressing. Add olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve cold.

Nutrition Per Serving:

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 220
• Protein: 7g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g

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2. Tri-Color Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of tri-color pasta (rotini or fusilli)
• 1/2 cup of cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup of red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of Italian dressing
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the tri-color pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Veggies: Dice the cucumber, chop the red bell pepper, and finely chop the onion.
3. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the diced veggies, Italian dressing, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Per Serving:

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 180
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g

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3. Cold Feta Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of penne pasta
• 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup of kalamata olives, sliced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled feta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives.
3. Add the Dressing: Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
4. Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Per Serving:

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 230
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 26g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g

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4. Pizza Delight Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of rotini pasta
• 1/2 cup of pepperoni slices, cut into quarters
• 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup of green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup of Italian dressing
• 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the pepperoni into quarters, cube the mozzarella, chop the bell pepper, and slice the onion.
3. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the pasta, pepperoni, mozzarella, bell pepper, and onion.
4. Add the Dressing: Drizzle with Italian dressing, pizza sauce, and mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Per Serving:

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 290
• Protein: 14g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g

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5. Pasta Salad with Chicken and Veggies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of rotini pasta
• 1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup of cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup of red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup of ranch dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in salted water. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then cook and shred it.
3. Prepare the Veggies: Dice the cucumber, chop the red bell pepper, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
4. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, and veggies.
5. Add the Dressing: Pour ranch dressing over the salad and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Per Serving:

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 3g

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Conclusion

These 5 easy cold pasta salad recipes are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for a picnic, or just want a refreshing and satisfying meal. With ingredients like pasta, veggies, cheese, and flavorful dressings, you can customize each recipe to your liking. Try these recipes, and you’ll never look at cold pasta salads the same way again!

FAQs

1. What are the best types of pasta for cold pasta salad?

The best pasta for cold pasta salad includes short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, fusilli, bowtie, or shells. These shapes hold dressing and ingredients well, making them ideal for cold salads.

2. Can I make pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, pasta salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, chilling it for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

3. How do you make a creamy pasta salad without mayo?

To make a creamy pasta salad without mayo, you can substitute with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a creamy dressing like ranch or Italian dressing. This creates a creamy texture without using mayonnaise.

4. How long does cold pasta salad last in the fridge?

Cold pasta salad typically lasts for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

5. What can I add to pasta salad for extra flavor?

To add extra flavor to pasta salad, you can include ingredients like fresh herbs (basil, parsley, cilantro), garlic, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted vegetables. A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.

6. Can I make pasta salad without cheese?

Yes, you can make pasta salad without cheese. You can opt for other ingredients like roasted vegetables, chicken, tuna, or beans to keep the salad hearty and flavorful.

7. Is pasta salad good for potlucks?

Yes, pasta salad is a great dish for potlucks because it’s easy to make in large batches, can be served cold, and is generally well-loved by many.

8. Can I use gluten-free pasta for cold pasta salad?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta in your cold pasta salad. It will hold up just like regular pasta and can be dressed with the same ingredients.

9. How do you keep pasta salad from getting soggy?

To prevent pasta salad from getting soggy, make sure to rinse the pasta in cold water after cooking to stop it from absorbing too much dressing. You can also wait to add the dressing until just before serving.

10. What are some good vegetables to add to pasta salad?

Good vegetables for pasta salad include cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, olives, spinach, and peas. These add color, crunch, and freshness to the dish.