Healthy Pasta Salad

Elevate your mealtime with this vibrant and refreshing Healthy Pasta Salad, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite! Packed with fiber-rich whole wheat pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, tangy Kalamata olives, and protein-packed chickpeas, this salad is as nutritious as it is colorful. A zesty homemade dressing made with heart-healthy olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and aromatic oregano ties everything together. Optional crumbled feta adds a creamy touch, while fresh parsley lends a burst of brightness. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or meal prep option, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes and can be enjoyed fresh or after chilling for a flavor boost. Healthy, satisfying, and utterly delicious—this pasta salad is sure to become a go-to in your recipe repertoire!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz Whole wheat pasta
• 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium Cucumber
• 1 medium Bell pepper (any color)
• 0.5 Red onion
• 0.5 cup Kalamata olives
• 1 cup Chickpeas (canned, drained and rinsed)
• 0.5 cup Feta cheese (optional)
• 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Slice the Kalamata olives in half if using whole ones.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and chickpeas.

Step 4

If you’re using feta cheese, crumble it into the bowl with the other ingredients.

Step 5

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well to evenly coat all the ingredients.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 8

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days. The salad tastes even better after a few hours as the flavors meld together.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1401.5 grams (1401.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1705

Total Fat 106.30g	136%
Saturated Fat 28.70g	144%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 107mg	36%
Sodium 4532mg	197%
Total Carbohydrate 152.80g	56%
Dietary Fiber 38.60g	138%
Total Sugars 30.60g
Protein 49.10g	98%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 960mg	74%
Iron 13mg	74%
Potassium 2335mg	50%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.2%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 34.6%