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Healthy Creamy Pasta Salad

This vibrant pasta salad combines juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing, making it the perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 275
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 1 lb. curly-shaped pasta (such as fusilli or gemelli) Provides a fantastic texture that holds the dressing well.
  • 1 lb. cherry tomatoes, halved Add brightness and color to your salad.
  • 1 cup frozen/thawed green peas Adds nutrition and slight sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion Provides a sharp, tangy crunch.
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery Adds a refreshing crispness.
  • 1 can (3 to 4 oz.) sliced black olives Enhances the overall taste.
  • 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh chives Provides mild onion flavor.
  • 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill Adds brightness and vibrancy.
Dressing
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise or full-fat Greek yogurt For a healthier option, use avocado oil mayo.
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil Adds richness and depth of flavor.
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon zest Brightens the salad.
  • 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice Adds a citrusy zing.
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt Enhances all flavors.
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper Adds warmth and zest.
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder Provides a subtle garlicky undertone.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the curly-shaped pasta and cook until it’s al dente, following the package instructions for timing. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
Preparing the Dressing
  1. While the pasta is cooking, combine the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Whisk until you have a smooth and creamy dressing.
Combining the Salad
  1. To the bowl with the pasta, add the halved cherry tomatoes, thawed green peas, chopped red onion, chopped celery, sliced black olives, fresh chives, and dill. Pour the prepared dressing over the top of the salad.
Tossing and Serving
  1. Gently toss the pasta salad until everything is well combined and evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for a fresh taste or refrigerate for later use to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For added nutrition, opt for whole wheat pasta. You can include grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for protein. Feel free to customize vegetables based on your preference. Add more mayonnaise or yogurt to reach your desired creaminess.