Load your pasta with veggies for a fresh take on lunch or dinner!
Looking for a fresh way to put a healthy twist on your favorite pasta dish this summer? We’ve got just the solution! This healthy pasta recipe is a quick and simple summertime pasta that’s big on flavor, and easy on prep. You can make this delicious pasta dish in just 20 minutes. Light enough for lunch, it also makes an absolutely delicious no-bake dinner during the hot months. Your body will feel refreshed after eating this healthy dish, your kitchen will stay cool, and your life will be ever more delicious. Make, serve, and enjoy!
We’ve gathered a beautiful array of seasonal produce for this pasta recipe. Go to your local farmer’s market, and you’re sure to find fresh, in-season arugula, grape tomatoes, and cucumber. Toss in kalamata olives for a rich, Mediterranean feel that especially complements the tomatoes and cucumber, and add a bit of extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and garlic for extra flavor.
You can also load up on protein by adding pine nuts, feta, or parmesan cheese. Since this pasta is reminiscent of the flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean, these nuts and cheeses, from the same region, are the perfect way to add flavor and protein to your dish. And for an even more healthy meal, substitute whole wheat pasta for white pasta. Whole wheat pasta is a complex carbohydrate that contains heart healthy fiber and will keep you energized.
Easy Pasta Salad with Cucumbers & Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 3 cups pasta cooked
- 6 cups baby arugula
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted, substitute with feta or parmesan (optional)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove finely chopped
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, toss together arugula, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, pine nuts (if desired), olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and salt and pepper.
- Drain pasta and add hot pasta to the arugula mixture. Toss to coat. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Have you made this recipe?
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What is the smartpoint value for this recipe
Gloria, SmartPoints are 8.
Healthy and Tasty. I love pasta salads and this definitely looks like something I need to cook.