With school back in session and fall just around the corner, you may be on the lookout for healthy recipes that are tasty and easy to make. Pasta salads are great options! They can be put together quickly and prepared ahead of time for a healthy, hearty meal or side dish. You can get a head start on lunch or dinner by prepping individual ingredients in advance. Or prepare the whole recipe in advance and divide it into separate containers for a nutritious on-the-go meal or snack. Let’s explore six of our favorite pasta salads to enjoy!
1. Tomato Pasta Salad
This salad combines juicy tomatoes, tender pasta and crunchy broccoli. A sprinkle of Italian herbs adds extra flavor, while the grated parmesan cheese gives it a rich twist. It’s a great recipe if you’re trying to use up fresh tomatoes, and it’s kid-approved, making it perfect for family meals or kid-friendly events.
2. Tuna Pasta Salad
When you want something that's both tasty and filling, our Tuna Pasta Salad is a winner. It's made with pasta, tuna (or swap in salmon), zucchini and carrots. For a creamy salad, choose mayonnaise for your dressing. This recipe was tested and approved by kids across Oregon.
3. Spinach Pasta Salad
Get ready for a Spinach Pasta Salad that's full of amazing textures and flavors. Crunchy seeds, tangy fruit, fresh veggies and pasta come together with a savory teriyaki dressing. You can even use fresh herbs from your home garden or the farmers market in this recipe.
4. Summer Vegetable and Pasta Salad
The Summer Vegetable and Pasta Salad brings you the taste of the season. With broccoli, cucumber and summer squash, it's not only tasty but colorful. A zesty Italian dressing ties everything together.
5. Pasta Salad
This Pasta Salad is a delicious favorite that never goes out of style! It's a mix of carrots, bell peppers, peas, onions, ham and cheddar cheese, all coated in a tangy Italian dressing.
6. Personalized Pasta Salad
Personalized Pasta Salad is perfect for when you want to switch up which ingredients go into your pasta salad, or have ingredients on hand you want to use up! While the recipe gives suggestions, any protein or pasta can be used. You can also add other veggies or try different dressings for new flavors!
Enjoy Outside Adventures: Take Your Pasta Salad Along
As the weather gets cooler, you may be trying to soak up the last few warm days. It's fun to have meals outside—maybe a picnic in the park or a barbecue with friends. Pasta salads make the perfect companion for these outdoor adventures. They're easy to bring along and full of fresh flavors, making them a hit for any outdoor occasion.
Remember Food Safety: Keep It Fresh
Keep your food fresh and safe to eat. If you're transporting perishable food, be sure to pack it with ice packs in a cooler. Put any leftover pasta salad in the fridge within 2 hours (or within 1 hour if it's above 90 degrees Fahrenheit). This helps keep germs from spoiling your food. For more information on food safety, check out this issue of the Food Hero Monthly.
We hope you enjoy these delicious pasta salad recipes! For more ideas, go to the Food Hero Healthy Recipes page. Click on the "Meal and Recipe Types" category to find more salads and other tasty recipes to try.
