Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Healthy Creamy Pasta Salad! Packed with vibrant vegetables and a creamy dressing that's guilt-free, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a refreshing side at your next gathering. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a delightful and nutritious meal ready to impress your taste buds. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to whip up a pasta salad that’s not only satisfying but also good for you!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of whole wheat pasta, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup of cucumber (diced), 1/4 cup of red onion (diced), salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse the cherry tomatoes, cut them in half, and place them in a large mixing bowl. Next, wash and dice the cucumber, and add it to the bowl along with the diced red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This will serve as the base for your dressing.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow the pasta to drain thoroughly.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise mixture over the pasta and vegetables, and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- For best flavor, let the pasta salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Healthy Creamy Pasta Salad chilled, garnished with additional cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices if desired. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
Tips
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: For the perfect texture, make sure to cook the whole wheat pasta al dente. This will ensure it holds up well in the salad and doesn’t become mushy.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow your pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, spinach, or even avocados can add a unique twist to the salad.
- Make Ahead: This pasta salad keeps well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container and enjoy it throughout the week!
- Add Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even tofu to boost the protein content and make it a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
