Pasta Salad Plus
A vibrant and hearty pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and a tangy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual family meals.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. uncooked spiral pasta ⓘ
- 4 medium carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 3 celery ribs, sliced ⓘ
- 1 can (16 oz.) kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, julienned ⓘ
- 1 can (6 oz.) pitted ripe olives, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 1 jar (4-1/2 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water.
- Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl.
- Add sliced carrots, sliced celery, rinsed kidney beans, rinsed chickpeas, sliced onion, sliced mushrooms, julienned green pepper, sliced olives, and chopped artichoke hearts to the bowl.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. You can substitute any beans based on your preference; black beans or white beans work well too. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can enhance the flavor, and adding a sprinkle of feta cheese can give it a Mediterranean twist. This recipe is versatile and can easily accommodate seasonal vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad is perfect for potlucks or picnics and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches. Consider serving it alongside Miki'S Onion Ring Salad for a refreshing meal. For a complete dinner, add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or serve it as a side dish with Barbeque Sauce For Chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can serve it cold or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. If you prefer it warm, gently heat on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Salad Plus contains roughly 406 calories, with 21g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 691mg per serving (30% 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, which allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to add the dressing shortly before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
What dressing works best for this salad?
A light vinaigrette or a creamy dressing such as ranch or Italian works best. You can also make your own dressing with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs for a fresh touch.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Adding grilled chicken, diced ham, or even tofu can make this dish more filling. For a vegetarian option, consider adding edamame or nuts for extra protein.
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).