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Healthy Creamy Pasta Salad

A delightful dish bursting with flavor and nutrition, perfect for any gathering or quick meal.
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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: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 1 lb. curly-shaped pasta (such as fusilli or gemelli) Provides the perfect texture for holding onto the creamy dressing.
  • 1 lb. cherry tomatoes, halved Adds a burst of sweetness and color.
  • 1 cup frozen/thawed green peas Enhances the dish with subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion Adds a beautiful crunch and mild flavor.
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery Offers a refreshing crispness.
  • 1 can sliced black olives (3 to 4 oz.) Lends a salty touch that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
  • 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh chives Adds a mild onion flavor.
  • 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill Brings a fresh, bright flavor.
Dressing
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise or full-fat Greek yogurt Provides a rich, creamy texture.
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil Adds a luscious mouthfeel.
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon zest Brightens the dish.
  • 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice Adds a tangy freshness.
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt Essential for enhancing flavors.
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper Adds a subtle kick.
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder Infuses the salad with aromatic depth.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the curly-shaped pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  3. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to halt the cooking process.
  4. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
Preparing the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Combining Ingredients
  1. With the pasta ready, add the halved cherry tomatoes, thawed green peas, finely chopped red onion, celery, sliced black olives, chives, and dill to the bowl.
  2. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta and toss everything together until well coated.
Serving
  1. The salad can be enjoyed immediately or covered and refrigerated for later use.
  2. The flavors meld beautifully if allowed to chill for at least 30 minutes.

Notes

This pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Feel free to customize with other vegetables or add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.