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Healthy Pasta Salad
3.9 from 183 votes

Healthy Pasta Salad

This Healthy Pasta Salad combines gluten-free penne with fresh chopped tomatoes, peeled cucumber, and red onion, tossed in a balsamic vinegar dressing brightened by basil and sweetened slightly with coconut sugar. The salad's crisp vegetable mix balances with the tangy and slightly spicy dressing from crushed red pepper and sea salt. Chilled before serving, it offers a refreshing, versatile side or light meal. Its adaptable ingredients allow for simple swaps to suit preferences or dietary needs.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 6 cups
Calories: 148 kcal
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 oz macaroni I used gluten-free penne, or penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato chopped
  • 2 cups cucumber peeled and chopped
  • 3/4 cup red onion chopped
  • 3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons basil minced
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon coconut sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt sea salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prep pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and run cold water over cooked pasta to cool.
  2. Mix ingredients: Add drained pasta into a large bowl with tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.
  3. Make dressing: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, basil, olive oil, coconut sugar, crushed red pepper and salt. Pour over salad ingredients and mix well.
  4. Serve: Refrigerate until cold. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can vary the vegetables used based on what you have available, making this salad adaptable to different seasons.
  • If you prefer a milder onion flavor, yellow onion can be used in place of red onion.
  • For added creaminess and healthy fats, chopped avocado can be mixed into the salad just before serving.
  • While the recipe uses a balsamic vinegar dressing, feel free to substitute with other dressings like Greek salad dressing or lemon vinaigrette if desired.

Nutrition Information

Serving 3/4 cup Calories 148kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 4g (6%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 4g (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 cups

Amount Per Serving

Calories 148

% Daily Value*

Serving 3/4 cup
Calories 148kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 4g 6%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 4g 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.