pasta salad – Kacey Tess

Summer Orzo Salad

Orzo is a great option for people who are gluten intolerant. This salad is quick, easy and much healthier than traditional pasta salad. Add any greens or fresh herbs you have on hand, this salad is very versatile.

Dressing:

2 Tbsp stoneground mustard

2 Tbsp white wine vinegar

1/4 C extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp honey

Sea salt

Black pepper

Salad:

1 Tbsp olive oil

3 C cooked orzo

1 Zucchini chopped roughly

1 Cucumber chopped roughly

1 C sugar snap peas halved

1 Jalapeño sliced thinly

1/4 C basil chopped finely

Sea salt

Black pepper

Method:

Whisk together all ingredients for dressing and set aside

Cook orzo according to package

Drain, mix together with dressing

In a large skillet heat oil over medium

Add zucchini, snap peas, and jalapeño

Cook for about 5 minutes until zucchini is starting to soften

Add zucchini mixture, cucumber, sea salt and pepper to orzo

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes

Enjoy!

Print Recipe

Quinoa Pasta Salad

What you’ll need:

1 package of penne quinoa pasta (I found mine at Smith’s) cooked according to package and drained

3 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 C red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 lime (juice)
1 Tsp sea salt
1 Tsp black pepper

1 orange bell pepper chopped into bite size pieces

1/2 red onion chopped finely

1 mango peeled and cut into small pieces

10 slices of jalapeño (I used pickled)

2-3 mint leaves chopped finely

1 bunch cilantro chopped roughly

2 Tbsp fresh dill chopped roughly

What you’ll do:

In a large bowl pour in drained pasta (you can use regular quinoa in place of the pasta if you prefer)

Whisk together oil, vinegar, lime, salt and pepper

Pour the vinegar on the pasta and mix thoroughly

Add peppers, onions, mango, jalapeño, mint, dill and cilantro

Mix thoroughly and taste

Add more salt if wanted

Enjoy!!

Whole Wheat Pasta Salad

What you’ll need:

1 package of whole wheat penne pasta
1/4 C shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 bottle of low fat Greek salad dressing (or Italian)

1/2 package of cherry tomatoes halved
1 cucumber peeled and chopped
1 can of black beans drained and rinsed

Sea salt
Black pepper
Onion powder
Red pepper flakes (optional)

What you’ll do:
Cook pasta according to directions
Strain pasta and rinse with cold water until cool

Add salad dressing and cheese
Mix thoroughly
Add tomatoes and cucumbers
Mix well
Add beans and stir well

Season to taste with sea salt, black pepper, onion powder and red pepper flakes (dried)

Enjoy!!!

Summer Pasta Salad

What you need:
Pasta shells (or bowties) 2 cups
1/2 bunch of asparagus trimmed
1 yellow pepper chopped into small pieces
1/2 package of cherry or grape tomatoes
1/2 package of fresh dill or 1 TBLS of dried dill
10 fresh mint leaves (optional)
1/2 lemon (juice)
1 TSP sea salt
1 TSP black pepper

What you do:
Boil water and cook pasta according to directions on box
Drain pasta and rinse will cool water
Sautee the pepper and asparagus over medium heat with 1 TBLS olive oil until tender (try not to overcook)
In a large bowl combine pasta and veggies in 1 TBLS olive oil

Add cherry tomatoes, dill, salt, pepper, dill, mint and lemon
Toss everything well
Chill in fridge until cold

Enjoy!!