Extra-Green Pasta Salad
Extra-Green Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta with crisp vegetables, all tossed in a zesty dressing. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or casual weeknight dinners, this adaptable recipe ensures everyone at your table will be asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or farfalle)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, diced (preferably English)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Chop the spinach, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers into uniform pieces.
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with chopped vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over and toss gently.
- If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein. Try different herbs like basil or mint for an extra flavor twist. For crunch, toss in nuts like walnuts or pine nuts.