Healthy and Creamy Pasta Salad Recipes: 5 Dishes to Savor

In the world of food, pasta salads have always occupied a unique position. They are comfort food, a perfect option for lunch, and quite versatile at the same time.

While the classic pasta salads are still delicious, why not try adding a touch of creaminess to your dish to take it to the next level? In this article, we are going to look at five healthy and creamy pasta salad recipes that will leave you completely satisfied.

Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad

If you are looking for a quick and easy salad with great flavors, then look no further than the Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad! This salad is perfect for those days when you have limited time but still want to enjoy a healthy meal.

To make this salad, you will need 8 oz of your favorite pasta cooked according to package directions. Drain the pasta and let it cool. Meanwhile, in a blender, combine 2 cups of fresh spinach, ½ cup walnuts, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, 3 tbsp of olive oil, and 1 tbsp of Greek yogurt. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Combine the pasta and the pesto sauce in a bowl. Add in ½ cup of cherry tomatoes and ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese. Toss the salad and serve.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad also makes a great meal prep option for the week.

Caprese Pasta Salad

The Caprese Pasta Salad is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion, from a summer barbeque to a dinner party. This dish is creamy, savory, and full of fresh flavors that will make your taste buds happy.

Cook 8 oz of your favorite pasta and let it cool. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of diced cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese, and 2 tbsp of chopped fresh basil leaves. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp of honey, 2 cloves of garlic, and 4 tbsp of olive oil. Pour the dressing over the tomato and mozzarella mixture and mix well.

Finally, add in the pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Avocado and Bacon Pasta Salad

The Avocado and Bacon Pasta Salad is one of those salads that is perfect for when you want something hearty, creamy, and full of flavor. The avocado and bacon add a level of creaminess that is out of this world!

Cook 8 oz of your favorite pasta and let it cool. In a pan, cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and chop into small pieces. In a bowl, mash 1 ripe avocado with 2 tbsp of Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp of lime juice, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Add ⅓ cup of chopped cherry tomatoes and ¼ cup of finely chopped red onion to the avocado mixture.

Finally, add the cooled pasta and bacon to the bowl and toss everything together until everything is evenly coated. You can also sprinkle some crumbled feta or freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top to take this salad to another level.

Broccoli and Cheddar Pasta Salad

The Broccoli and Cheddar Pasta Salad is a great lunch option or a light dinner. It’s creamy, comforting and perfect for those cold winter nights. Full of goodness, this salad will keep you going throughout the day.

Chop 1 head fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets and ⅓ cup of dried cranberries. Cook 8 oz of your favorite pasta and let it cool. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix ½ cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp of Dijon mustard, ⅓ cup of grated cheddar cheese, 1 tbsp of honey, and 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar.

Add the broccoli, cranberries, and pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss everything together. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Store the salad in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Tuna and Peas Pasta Salad

The Tuna and Peas Pasta Salad is a combination of healthy ingredients and delicious flavors. Packed with healthy omega-3 fats and fiber-rich veggies, this salad will keep you full and satisfied for hours.

Cook 8 oz of your favorite pasta and let it cool. In a bowl, mix 1 can of drained tuna, 1 cup of frozen peas (thawed), 2 tbsp of chopped parsley, and 1 chopped green onion. Add in ½ cup of Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Mix everything together until well combined.

Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the dressing. Store the salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Healthy and creamy pasta salads are easy to prepare and make a great option for lunch, dinner, or a backyard barbecue. The recipes highlighted in this article are perfect for experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, and can be customized to suit your preferences.

With the right combination of ingredients, it is possible to create a delicious and healthy meal without compromising on taste. As always, remember to use high-quality ingredients and lean protein to keep your salads healthy and nutritious. So, give these recipes a try and savor the flavor!

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope it inspires you to try out some of these fantastic salad recipes. If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends and family. We look forward to hearing about your experience making these pasta salads.