16 Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes for a Fresh Cookout
They're packed with veggies and protein.
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When the weather warms up, there's only one dish on our minds: pasta salad. It's the ultimate summer potluck side and one of the best pasta recipes for serving at a backyard cookout. But if you're trying to stick to a healthy eating plan, pasta isn't always the first thing that comes to mind—especially the pasta salads that are loaded with a heavy mayo-dressing. Luckily, there's a solution for that: healthy pasta salad recipes. (Yes, they do exist!)
This list of healthy pasta salads is summer eating done right. Whether you opt for a lightened up creamy pasta salad made with Greek yogurt dressing or veggie-packed pasta salad made with a vinegar-base, there's something for everyone. There are tons of options that pack in the protein, with tuna, chicken, and even chickpeas and avocado to help fill you up. Plus, all of these pasta salads can be made with whole-wheat noodles, gluten-free pasta, or alternative pastas, like chickpea pasta or lentil pasta.
And, of course, you don’t want to forget that fresh, healthy vegetables can turn any pasta salad into a nutritional powerhouse. You'll find a ton tossed into these recipes so even the creamier options are healthier thanks to seasonal options like zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes. So, go ahead and pick your favorite—then, serve it as a BBQ side dish or for any healthy dinner menu.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Protein is the key to keeping you feeling full for longer and the tuna in this pasta salad is a great source for it! It's also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health. To make this salad even lighter, just olive oil mayonnaise, or substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Get the Tuna Pasta Salad recipe.
Spicy Veggie Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is a celebration of veggies with fresh corn, baby bell peppers, scallions, tomatoes, and lots of herbs. It'll add a pop of color and spice to your table.
Get Ree's Spicy Veggie Pasta Salad recipe.
Chicken Pasta Salad
The dressing for this creamy pasta salad is made with more yogurt than mayo so it has that added benefit of protein and good probiotics. It's also packed with chicken, almonds, grapes, and celery so it's hearty enough to be a meal on its own.
Get the Chicken Pasta Salad recipe.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Instead of a creamy dressing, this pasta salad opts for a vinegar-based dressing that's light and flavorful. You can easily swap out the pasta for any whole-grain noodle or top it off with grilled chicken for added protein.
Get the Caprese Pasta Salad recipe.
Greek Pasta Salad
There's nothing boring about this pasta salad! It's light and herbaceous with plenty of fresh veggies, salty olives, fragrant herbs, and creamy feta.
Get the Greek Pasta Salad recipe.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Pickled veggies, capers, and olives give this pasta salad lots of briny flavor. But it's the crispy chickpeas―roasted, not fried―that really make it shine. They add texture, crunch, and extra vegetarian-friendly protein.
Get Ree's Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe.
Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad
Ree's "deep, dark secret" is that she loves pasta salads "where you can barely see any of the pasta." In this case, it has healthy spring peas, peppery arugula, and a gloriously green pesto dressing.
Get Ree's Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad recipe.
Southwestern Pasta Salad
Fill up on smoky chipotle, fresh corn, tangy tomatoes, creamy pinto beans, buttery avocado, and a sprinkle of refreshing cilantro. If you're worried about the creamy dressing, just cut back on how much you mix in.
Get the Southwestern Pasta Salad recipe.
Couscous Salad
If you're looking to really keep things airy, this couscous salad is the way to go! The grain-like pasta cooks up so light and fluffy, but it still has lots of fiber to keep you full. Plus, the pomegranate seeds add an extra boost of antioxidants!
Get the Couscous Salad recipe.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This orzo pasta salad is light and fresh thanks to the tangy, lemony dressing. The chickpeas are a great source of protein (especially for vegetarians), but you can also top it off with grilled shrimp.
Get the Mediterranean Orzo Salad recipe.
Italian Pasta Salad
This pasta salad isn't shy about adding flavorful mix-ins, like veggies, olives, herbs, and cheese. It's also made with a red wine vinegar and pesto dressing so you know it's going to have plenty of flavor.
Get the Italian Pasta Salad recipe.
Bow Tie Pasta Salad
You'll get enough protein from the ham, cheese, and peas in this salad to fill you up. Plus, it's got some peppers to sneak in some veggies. To make the dressing healthier, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Get the Bow Tie Pasta Salad recipe.
Greek Pesto Pasta Salad
Forgo the creamy dressings entirely and still get a ton of flavor by using pesto. The mixture of heart-healthy olive oil and herby basil gives all the veggies in this salad an extra boost.
Get Ree's Greek Pesto Pasta Salad recipe.
California Spaghetti Salad
While most pasta salads use short shapes, you can also use long strands like spaghetti! Either way, my mixing pasta with fresh veggies and a light Italian dressing help it be on the healthier side.
Get the California Spaghetti Salad recipe.
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Another pasta to try is cheese tortellini! That way, you get your cheese and your pasta all in one bite. Just add a little protein (salami) and a lot of veggies (zucchini, bell peppers, pepperoncini, and red onion).
Get the Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe.
Kale Pasta Salad
Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene—it's no wonder kale is considered a nutritional powerhouse! You'll also get plenty of fiber with this dish.
Get Ree's Kale Pasta Salad recipe.
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