Italian Pasta Salad(Low-Fat)
A vibrant, low-fat Italian pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, ham, and cheese, dressed in a tangy lime-mustard mayonnaise mixture—perfect for light, flavorful gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 c. cooked shell pasta ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion
- 1/2 c. chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. shredded carrots ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Mrs. Dash Italian seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped ham ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard
- 1 Tbsp. lime juice ⓘ
- Kraft fat-free mayonnaise ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix lime juice, mustard, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, oregano, cheese, and ham in a large bowl until well combined.
- Add the cooked shell pasta to the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and shredded carrots.
- Taste and add garlic or additional seasoning if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a variety of colored bell peppers to enhance the visual appeal. You can substitute the ham with turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or try using chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. To make it even lighter, opt for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This Italian Pasta Salad also tastes great when served with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Pasta Salad is a perfect dish for picnics or potlucks and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread. It also makes a great side for BBQs or family gatherings, complementing other Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent it from drying out. However, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so you might prefer to serve it straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Pasta Salad(Low-Fat) contains roughly 739 calories, with 24g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (280% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (178% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 748mg per serving (33% 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, this pasta salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Shell pasta is a great choice as it holds onto the dressing and ingredients well. However, you can use other pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle if you prefer. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain a good texture in the salad.
Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite ingredients. Adding cherry tomatoes, olives, or artichoke hearts can enhance the flavor profile. You can also include additional veggies like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
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).