Healthy Pasta Salad Recipe with Simple Ingredients

When it comes to light, refreshing, and satisfying meals, this Healthy Pasta Salad Recipe checks all the boxes. It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect dish for spring and summer gatherings. So, if you're planning a picnic, a barbecue, or just a quick lunch, this pasta salad is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Packed with vibrant vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Now, let's get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ve always found this pasta salad to be a lifesaver during busy weeks or when hosting friends and family. It’s a meal-prep hero and a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak, or enjoy it as a standalone vegetarian meal. Plus, it’s easily customizable—swap ingredients to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand.

With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 3 cups cooked pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or farfalle work beautifully)
• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup cucumbers, cut into thin half-moons
• 1 cup broccoli, boiled and drained
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• ¼ cup chopped mint
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 5 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Healthy Pasta Salad Recipe? 

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook your pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and let it cool slightly. For extra flavor, toss the pasta with a drizzle of olive oil while it’s warm.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, feta cheese, basil, parsley, mint, and toasted pine nuts. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, crushed garlic, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra herbs or pine nuts if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for an even deeper flavor.

Zulay's Expert Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad

• Choose the right pasta. Opt for short pasta shapes with ridges or curves that can hold onto the dressing and ingredients.
• Keep it fresh. Use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor. Swap in seasonal veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus.
• Make it your own. Don’t hesitate to personalize this salad! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost, or sprinkle in dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
• Prep ahead. This salad tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead option. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

Why This Recipe Works

This pasta salad combines a mix of textures and flavors that make every bite exciting. The juicy cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness, the cucumbers and broccoli add crunch, and the feta cheese lends a creamy, tangy touch. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and mint elevate the dish with their aromatic notes, while toasted pine nuts bring a nutty, satisfying finish. The homemade lemon-Dijon vinaigrette ties everything together with its zesty brightness.

Pasta Salad Pairing Suggestions

Grilled Proteins

Grilled meats are the perfect companions for a pasta salad, especially when it comes to adding a bit of richness and heartiness to the meal. If you're craving something light yet satisfying, grilled chicken is always a winner. Its mild flavor lets the pasta salad shine while adding some lean protein. For those who prefer a bolder, more robust flavor, grilled steak brings a smoky, savory element that balances out the freshness of the salad. If you're in the mood for seafood, grilled salmon is another fantastic choice—its tender texture and slightly sweet flavor complement the tangy and creamy components of the salad. 

Crusty Bread

No meal feels complete without a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up those delicious flavors. A fresh baguette pairs beautifully with the salad’s textures, allowing you to scoop up any leftover dressing or toppings. On the other hand, garlic bread is another excellent choice if you want to add a bit of extra flavor. 

Refreshing Drinks

The right drink can truly enhance your pasta salad experience, providing a refreshing balance to the dish's flavors. A classic, ice-cold lemonade brings a zesty, citrusy kick that complements the fresh ingredients of the salad. But if you’re looking for something a bit more refreshing and slightly less sweet, iced tea is an excellent option. For wine lovers, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect match. Its bright acidity and subtle fruity notes help cut through the richness of the salad and grilled meats, adding an elegant touch to your meal!

Zulay's Final Thoughts

This Healthy Pasta Salad Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, and it’s as customizable as it is delicious. 

Did you try this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media @zulaykitchen and use #kitchenhappiness to show off your culinary creations. Here’s to easy, healthy meals that bring people together!

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! There are plenty of gluten-free pasta options available nowadays, like those made from rice, corn, quinoa, or even chickpeas, which can hold up well in a salad. Just be sure to check the labels of your other ingredients, especially if you’re using any pre-made sauces or dressings, as some might contain hidden gluten. 

This pasta salad is great for meal prep and can be kept for up to three days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. It's perfect for a few days of lunches or a quick dinner, but keep in mind that the freshness of the ingredients will slowly start to change over time. For the best flavor and texture, I recommend storing the dressing separately from the salad itself. This helps prevent the pasta from getting soggy and ensures the veggies stay crisp. 

Of course! One of the best things about pasta salad is its versatility, and that extends to the cheese choices. While feta adds a nice tangy flavor and creamy texture, you can definitely mix it up based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Goat cheese works beautifully here, offering a smooth, creamy texture and a slightly tangy bite that pairs wonderfully with the veggies and dressing. If you're a fan of mozzarella, you can swap the feta for mozzarella pearls for a milder flavor and chewy texture. For a sharper cheese, shredded Parmesan can give the salad a nice, salty kick. 

What can I substitute for pine nuts?

If pine nuts aren’t your thing or you simply don’t have any on hand, several great substitutes can offer the same crunchy texture and a bit of extra flavor. Sunflower seeds are a fantastic option, providing a similar bite and a slightly nutty taste. Slivered almonds also work beautifully and add a delicate crunch without overwhelming the other flavors in the salad. Whichever substitute you choose, it’ll add a satisfying crunch and a boost of flavor that’s perfect for rounding out the salad.