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Low Calorie Pasta Salad

Low Calorie Pasta Salad Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 240
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 oz rotini or penne
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 (6-7 oz) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey or agave (optional)
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
  • ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool completely.
  2. Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, grated garlic, salt, and pepper until combined.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, artichoke hearts, and parsley. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the top and toss gently. Let rest 10 minutes, then taste and add remaining dressing if desired.
  4. Give the salad a final toss, adjust seasoning with salt or lemon juice, and transfer to a serving bowl. Scatter extra parsley on top and serve.

Notes

This salad gets better as it sits, so it’s ideal for making a few hours or a day ahead. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing after chilling, revive it with a small splash of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil.