Pasta Salad - Low-Fat
A vibrant and refreshing low-fat pasta salad perfect for light lunches or picnics. The combination of fresh vegetables with a creamy, tangy dressing creates a satisfying dish with bright flavors and appealing textures. Suitable for health-conscious eaters seeking a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. macaroni or shells ⓘ
- 1 cup peeled and chopped cucumber ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced radishes ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped tomato ⓘ
- 1/2 cup evaporated skim milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup no oil Italian salad dressing ⓘ
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 oz. packet Butter Buds ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon instant minced onion ⓘ
- pinch of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cooked macaroni or pasta shells with chopped cucumber, sliced radishes, and chopped tomatoes.
- In a blender or food processor, blend evaporated skim milk, no oil Italian salad dressing, low-fat cottage cheese, dried dill weed, Butter Buds, onion powder, instant minced onion, and a pinch of pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture.
- Toss to coat evenly and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider substituting the radishes with chopped bell peppers or celery. If you're looking to boost the flavor, fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be used instead of dried dill weed. You can replace the no oil Italian salad dressing with a homemade vinaigrette using balsamic vinegar and mustard for a tangy twist. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this low-fat pasta salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a light soup or a vibrant green salad for a balanced lunch. It’s also great as a light snack or a healthy lunch option for meal prep.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. If the salad becomes dry upon reheating, add a splash of evaporated skim milk or dressing to moisten it. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the ingredients may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Salad - Low-Fat contains roughly 549 calories, with 9g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 833mg per serving (36% 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 this pasta salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop and enhance overnight. Before serving, give it a good stir and taste; you might want to add a bit more dressing or seasoning to freshen it up.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
To make this pasta salad more filling, consider adding protein sources like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or canned tuna. You can also incorporate additional vegetables such as corn or spinach for extra nutrition. For a vegetarian option, black beans or edamame would work well, complementing the existing ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for lunches throughout the week. Just ensure you store the dressing separately if you prefer it fresh. This way, you can enjoy a delicious, healthy meal without the hassle of cooking every day.
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).