Pasta salad is generally loaded with heavy cheeses, dressings, and meats. My pasta salad is light, refreshing, and almost too good tasting to be true! I loaded my pasta salad with tons of veggies and a light and flavorful homemade dressing, that brought the calories down to only 126 per cup! The pasta itself is loaded with fiber and protein, so when combined with all of the veggies in this dish, it packs a powerful nutrient punch!
I brought this pasta salad to my Memorial Day BBQ and it was gone in seconds! So the next time you’re looking for a light and colorful dish to pass, try my Loaded Pasta Salad! I can guarantee that it will be a crowd pleaser!
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry pasta (I used Smart Choice brand, but any pasta with high fiber/protein would work)
- 1/2 cup garbanzo beans (or white beans)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (or shredded parmesan would be good!)
- 1/2 cup olives, (I buys pre-sliced)
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup red pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup green peas, (I used frozen peas, and defrosted them in the microwave for 30 seconds)
Dressing:
- 1 package dry Italian dressing mix (I used Good Seasons brand)
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Variations:
- 1/2 tsp sugar substitute added to the dressing for a sweeter dressing (or 1 package stevia, or to taste)
- Add 1/2 cup chopped chicken (to an individual serving) to turn this pasta salad into a well-rounded meal!
- You may also use 1/2 cup bottled light Italian dressing in place of the homemade version!
Method
- Start by cooking the pasta according to package directions, (3 cups dry pasta cooks in about 10-15 minutes).
- Meanwhile, chop celery, red pepper, and red onion into fine dice. Chop cherry tomatoes in half. (The chopping doesn’t have to be precise, just to your liking!)
- Make dressing by placing all of the ingredients in a sealed water bottle, or Tupperware container, and shake until everything is well combined.
- Once pasta is done cooking, place in a strainer, and rinse with cool water. Add pasta to a large serving bowl. Add chopped vegetables, beans, peas, olives, and cheese. Lightly toss to combine everything.
- Pour dressing over pasta salad, and toss until everything is coated with dressing. Serve immediately, (or place in the fridge overnight and serve the next day for the best results!)
Enjoy! Love Katie
Calories: 126 Per Serving
Servings: 9.5 (1 cup servings)
Weight Watchers Points Plus Value: 8
(WW points courtesy of Jennifer at www.itsuxtobefat.com)
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This post was written by Katie Farrell, the creator of Dashing Dish. Want to share Dashing Dish recipes with your friends and family? Click the ‘like’ or tweet button to the right and spread the love! Thanks so much and God Bless!
