Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m super excited to share my favorite twist on a classic dish: Superfood Pasta Salad! This isn’t just any pasta salad; it’s a vibrant, healthy mix that’s bursting with nutrients and flavor. Packed with wholesome ingredients like quinoa, chickpeas, and fresh veggies, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly good for you. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll feel like you’re fueling your body with pure goodness. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this pasta salad is sure to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Superfood Pasta Salad
- First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so don’t overdo it!
- While the pasta is cooking, take a moment to prep your veggies. Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the fresh spinach, and drain and rinse the chickpeas. This is where you can really get creative with your chopping technique—just make sure everything is bite-sized!
- When the pasta is done, drain it and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step keeps your pasta from getting mushy and helps it stay nice and fresh in the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, cooked quinoa, and chickpeas. It’s a colorful mix, and I can already smell the freshness!
- Now, drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together until well combined—be careful not to smash the tomatoes!
- Finally, cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with superfoods, making it a nutritious choice.
- Flavorful and satisfying, it’s a meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile—great as a main dish or a side for any gathering.
- Perfect for meal prep, keeping well in the fridge for days.
Tips for Success
To make the best Superfood Pasta Salad, use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for a richer flavor. Don’t skip the chilling step—it really helps the flavors meld together beautifully! If you want a little extra zing, add some lemon zest along with the juice. And remember, feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins; this salad is all about flexibility!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to mix up this Superfood Pasta Salad! Try adding roasted bell peppers or cucumbers for some extra crunch. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the flavors even more. You can also switch up the dressing—balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy tahini dressing would be fantastic. And if you want a protein boost, toss in some grilled chicken or avocado slices. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my Superfood Pasta Salad: it packs about 300 calories, 15g of fat, 10g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Plus, you get a healthy dose of fiber—around 6g per serving! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients. You can enjoy this delicious salad guilt-free while fueling your body with all the good stuff!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to use any whole grain pasta you love. Gluten-free pasta works great too if you’re avoiding gluten.
How can I make this Superfood Pasta Salad vegan? Simple! Just omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative. You can also add more chickpeas for extra protein!
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can! It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
What other vegetables can I add? The sky’s the limit! Carrots, bell peppers, or even shredded zucchini would all be fantastic additions. Just ensure they’re chopped into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
How long will leftovers last? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious Superfood Pasta Salad, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there’s no need to heat it up; just give it a good stir and dig in! If you prefer it warm, you can lightly microwave it for about 30 seconds, but I love it cold for that refreshing taste.
Call to Action
I’d love to hear what you think of this Superfood Pasta Salad! If you give it a try, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe. And don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on social media—tag me so I can see your delicious versions! Happy cooking!
For more information on the health benefits of quinoa, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on meal prepping, you can visit Eatwell101.
If you’re interested in more delicious salad recipes, check out this Mediterranean Pasta Salad.
Print
Superfood Pasta Salad: 5 Reasons It Fuels Your Body Well
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy and delicious pasta salad packed with superfoods.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, drained
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, quinoa, and chickpeas.
- Add feta cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use any type of whole grain pasta.
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Superfood Pasta Salad, healthy pasta salad, Mediterranean salad
