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Healthy Pasta Salad

Healthy Pasta Salad That Dazzles with Fresh Flavors

This Healthy Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish packed with fresh veggies and salami, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Fusilli Pasta Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
For the Veggies
  • 8 oz Mini Mozzarella Balls Use halved fresh mozzarella if mini balls are unavailable.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can substitute with regular or plum tomatoes.
  • 1 small Red Onion Avoid substitution with white onion; can omit if desired.
  • 1 medium Cucumber English cucumbers are preferred.
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Green or Kalamata olives can be used; omit if undesired.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley Substitute with fresh basil if preferred.
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper Can be substituted with other bell pepper colors.
For the Protein
  • 4 oz Diced Salami Omit for a plant-based version or replace with cooked bacon.
For the Dressing
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice Always use freshly squeezed for best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Substitute with avocado oil if preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Whole grain mustard can be used; omit if not liked.
  • 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup Honey is a suitable alternative.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mason jar
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Healthy Pasta Salad
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a mason jar, combine dried thyme, oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and pepper. Shake the jar vigorously for about 30 seconds until well blended.
  3. While the pasta cooks, dice your cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, black olives, and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Add the diced salami and chopped parsley to a large mixing bowl.
  4. Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the prepared veggies and salami. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated.
  5. Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Dress right before serving to maintain texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

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