Apple Pasta Salad
Apple Pasta Salad offers a vibrant mix of crisp apples, sweet raisins, and crunchy vegetables, all coated in a creamy, spiced yogurt dressing. Perfect for a refreshing side or light meal, it combines fresh flavors with a hint of ginger and honey, appealing to those seeking a healthy, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. plain nonfat yogurt ⓘ
- 8 oz. can unsweetened crushed pineapple (undrained) ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 3 cups diced unpeeled apples ⓘ
- 1 tsp. finely chopped crystallized ginger ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon honey ⓘ
- 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Thoroughly combine yogurt, crushed pineapple (undrained), salt, garlic powder, dry mustard, chopped crystallized ginger, and honey in a bowl.
- Refrigerate the mixture.
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions, omitting salt.
- Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water and drain thoroughly.
- Cool the pasta completely.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced apples, shredded carrot, sliced celery, sliced green onions, and the yogurt dressing.
- Mix well to combine.
- Chill thoroughly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a bit of avocado or using Greek yogurt instead of nonfat yogurt. You can substitute fresh pineapple for the canned variety if you prefer a more vibrant flavor. If you want to enhance the sweetness, feel free to increase the honey or add a splash of apple juice. This salad can be customized with nuts or seeds for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing Apple Pasta Salad chilled as a side dish at picnics or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. For a vegetarian meal, enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread or alongside a mixed greens salad. Explore more American recipes for additional meal ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a bit more yogurt or a splash of pineapple juice when serving leftovers. Avoid freezing, as the texture will change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Pasta Salad contains roughly 111 calories, with 2g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1434mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier. Just give it a good stir before serving to refresh the ingredients.
What type of apples work best in this salad?
Crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully in this salad. They add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the dressing and pineapple. You can also mix different varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas can be excellent additions if you're looking to boost the protein content. This makes the salad a more filling meal option, especially for lunch or a light dinner.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).