Best 3 Alexs Simple Whole Wheat Pasta Salad Recipes

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"Alex's simple whole wheat pasta salad" is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Made with whole wheat pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad is packed with flavor and nutrients. It's also easy to make, so it's a great option for busy weeknights.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

WHOLE WHEAT ROTINI PASTA SALAD



Whole Wheat Rotini Pasta Salad image

Fabulous light pasta salad with carrots, asparagus, tomatoes, and green onions. It gets better the longer it marinates, so don't be afraid to prepare it ahead of time and stick it in the refrigerator a few hours.

Provided by tlabrum

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Tomato Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (12 ounce) box whole wheat rotini pasta
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, or to taste
6 leaves fresh basil, chopped
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped
3 tomatoes, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
1 bunch green onions
4 cloves garlic, minced

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot with lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Cook rotini at a boil until the pasta is cooked yet slightly firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
  • Rinse the pasta with cold water until completely chilled; drain completely.
  • While the pasta cooks, whisk the apple cider vinegar and olive oil together in a large bowl until blended. Stir feta cheese, basil, salt, and black pepper into the vinaigrette.
  • Fold the asparagus, tomatoes, carrots, green onions, and garlic into the vinaigrette to coat evenly.
  • Stir the cooled pasta into the vegetable mixture; toss until evenly mixed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 351.8 calories, Carbohydrate 52.2 g, Cholesterol 5.6 mg, Fat 11.7 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 11 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 125.8 mg, Sugar 7.5 g

ALEX'S SIMPLE WHOLE WHEAT PASTA SALAD



Alex's Simple Whole Wheat Pasta Salad image

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     main-dish

Time 55m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 large red bell pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Kosher salt
1 pound whole wheat fusilli pasta
1 cup Nut-Free Basil Pesto
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish, optional
3 cups fresh basil leaves
2 large cloves garlic, grated
1 teaspoon sugar
Generous pinch kosher salt, or more as needed
1/2 to 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Place the pepper directly over a gas flame to char and cook, turning, about 3 minutes per side. Place the pepper in a bowl and let sit, uncovered, until cool enough to handle.
  • Place the pepper on a cutting board. Remove the seeds and core and open the pepper up so it lies flat on the cutting board, charred skin-side up. Use a kitchen towel to wipe the charred skin away. Sprinkle the pepper with the sugar, then chop the pepper into 1/4-inch dice. Place the diced peppers back in the bowl and drizzle with the vinegar. Set aside.
  • Bring 4 quarts water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt. (It should taste like seawater.) Cook the pasta, stirring from time to time, until "al dente" (chewy but not hard or raw tasting), 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and toss with the pesto. If the pesto is too thick, add some pasta water to thin it out. Place half of the pasta in a serving bowl, then top with half of the Parmesan and half of the roasted peppers. Top with the remaining pasta, Parmesan and roasted peppers. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
  • Pulse the basil with the garlic, sugar and salt in a food processor. Slowly stream in 1/2 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup water through the top of the machine, pulsing until almost completely smooth. Taste for seasoning. Add more oil if too chunky or dry. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the Parmesan.

EASY SALMON WHOLE WHEAT PASTA SALAD



Easy Salmon Whole Wheat Pasta Salad image

This is a great pasta salad for spring and summer when the weather is great and you don't want to spend it in the kitchen. It's very kid friendly too.

Provided by laura

Categories     Salmon Salad

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (13.25 ounce) package dried whole wheat rotini pasta
2 (5 ounce) cans skinless, boneless salmon, drained
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
2 (5.3 ounce) containers Greek yogurt
⅔ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons dried dill weed
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in rotini, and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until rotini has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Transfer pasta to a large bowl.
  • Toss salmon and cucumber in with rotini, flaking the salmon as you stir.
  • Combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, and onion powder in a small bowl.
  • Spoon yogurt mixture over rotini and gently combine.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  • Arrange slices of Roma tomatoes on the salad before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 520.9 calories, Carbohydrate 46.7 g, Cholesterol 40.8 mg, Fat 28.6 g, Fiber 7.5 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 6.2 g, Sodium 347.5 mg, Sugar 4.6 g

Tips:

  • For a healthier pasta salad, use whole wheat pasta and a light vinaigrette dressing instead of a mayonnaise-based dressing.
  • To save time, cook the pasta ahead of time. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  • To make the pasta salad more flavorful, marinate the vegetables in the dressing for at least 30 minutes before adding the pasta.
  • If you are using fresh vegetables, be sure to wash them thoroughly before adding them to the pasta salad.
  • To add a pop of color and flavor, add some fresh herbs to the pasta salad, such as basil, cilantro, or parsley.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. With endless variations, there is a pasta salad recipe for everyone. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or something more unique, you are sure to find a pasta salad recipe that you will love. So next time you are looking for a light and flavorful dish, give pasta salad a try.

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