1 Serving Italian Pasta Salad contains 357 calories, making it a great choice for a healthy and filling meal. This pasta salad is a delicious mix of Italian flavors, perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. The combination of fresh vegetables and pasta makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

This Italian Pasta Salad is made with a variety of ingredients, including cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. The pasta is cooked until it’s al dente, then combined with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. The dressing is made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning. It’s a simple, yet delicious, combination of flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and full.

In this article, we'll explore the total calories per serving, ingredients used, cooking method, serving size, nutritional benefits, possible modifications, serving suggestions, storage instructions, serving occasions, and alternative variations of this tasty Italian Pasta Salad.

Total Calories per Serving

One serving of Italian Pasta Salad contains 357 calories. If you are looking to reduce your calorie intake, you can modify the recipe by using whole wheat pasta or reducing the amount of cheese in the salad. By doing so, you can reduce the calorie count to around 250 calories per serving. However, it’s important to note that the Italian Pasta Salad is a filling and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Ingredients Used

The ingredients used in this Italian Pasta Salad include cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. For the dressing, you will need olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning. All of these ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores and can be easily modified to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.

Cooking Method

To make this Italian Pasta Salad, start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, rinse it under cold water until it is cool to the touch. Next, chop the vegetables and add them to the pasta. Add the Kalamata olives and feta cheese and toss to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serving Size

This recipe makes four servings of Italian Pasta Salad. One serving is equivalent to approximately two cups of salad. This salad is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Nutritional Benefits

This Italian Pasta Salad is a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The pasta provides a good source of carbohydrates, while the vegetables offer a variety of vitamins and minerals. The olive oil in the dressing is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and the feta cheese adds calcium and protein to the salad.

Possible Modifications

There are many ways to modify this Italian Pasta Salad recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences. For example, you can swap out the pasta for a gluten-free alternative such as quinoa or brown rice pasta. You can also add more vegetables to the salad, such as roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian Pasta Salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or as a snack. This versatile salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a quick and easy dish to share.

Storage Instructions

This Italian Pasta Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to four days. Before serving, toss the salad with a little extra dressing to freshen it up.

Serving Occasions

This Italian Pasta Salad is a great choice for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. It’s also perfect for meal prep, picnics, and potlucks. No matter what the occasion, this delicious and nutritious salad is sure to be a hit.

Alternative Variations

There are many ways to switch up this Italian Pasta Salad recipe and keep it interesting. For example, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier main dish. You can also use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or Parmesan cheese, to change up the flavor profile.