Mark'S Favorite Pasta Salad (Heart Healthy)
A vibrant, heart-healthy pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and a creamy tangy dressing, perfect for light lunches or potlucks, appealing to health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. small shell pasta ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small red onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 (2 oz.) can chopped olives ⓘ
- 1 small jar artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 small can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 small can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 small can garbanzo beans ⓘ
- 1 small container nonfat sour cream
- 1 c. nonfat mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped basil ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the small shell pasta according to package directions.
- Drain the pasta and let it cool.
- Add chopped green bell pepper, red onion, celery, chopped olives, chopped artichoke hearts, kidney beans, mushrooms, and garbanzo beans to the cooled pasta.
- In a separate bowl, mix nonfat sour cream, nonfat mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped basil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and mix well.
- Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, try adding diced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness. You can substitute Greek yogurt for the nonfat sour cream for a tangy flavor. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can be used. This pasta salad is versatile, so feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients or use leftover vegetables from other dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad is perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or picnics. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a heart-healthy meal. It also pairs beautifully with Artichoke Dip I for a delightful appetizer spread. Garnish with additional fresh basil or olives for visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits. If the salad appears dry after chilling, add a splash of water or extra dressing before serving. Avoid freezing, as the ingredients may become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mark'S Favorite Pasta Salad (Heart Healthy) contains roughly 196 calories, with 12g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 623mg per serving (27% 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?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to develop even more. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute small shell pasta with other shapes like rotini or farfalle. Just ensure to cook the pasta according to the package directions for the best texture. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options are also great alternatives for a healthier twist.
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is fully vegetarian as it contains no meat. The combination of beans and vegetables provides a good source of protein and nutrients, making it a satisfying option for vegetarian recipes.
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).