Skillet or grill pan (if lightly sautéing/grilling zucchini or broccoli)
Ingredients
For the Salad:
8ozRed Lentil Pastapenne, rotini, or fusilli
2cupsFresh Baby Spinach
1cupMarinated Artichoke Heartsquartered (drained)
1cupRoasted Red Pepperssliced
½cupBlack oliveshalved
1cupCherry Tomatoeshalved
1cupCucumberdiced
1cupZucchinidiced and lightly sautéed or grilled
½cupRed Onionthinly sliced
¼cupFresh Parsley or Basilchopped
Optional add-ins: 1 cup steamed broccoli florets, 1 cup shredded carrots, ½ avocado cubed for serving
For the Dressing:
3tbspExtra Virgin Olive Oil
2tbspFresh Lemon Juice
1tbspRed Wine Vinegaror apple cider vinegar
1tspDijon Mustard
1cloveGarlicminced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
1tspDried Oreganoor Italian seasoning
PinchRed Pepper Flakesoptional
Salt & black pepperto taste
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Prepare vegetables by chopping, slicing, and lightly sautéing zucchini (and broccoli if using).
Whisk together dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, spinach, artichokes, roasted red peppers, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, zucchini, onion, and parsley. Toss gently.
Pour dressing over salad and mix until coated. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Top with avocado cubes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with feta or dairy-free alternative.
Notes
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 290
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin C: 45% DV
Iron: 15% DV
Calcium: 10% DV
Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days (without avocado).Great as a meal-prep lunch, side dish, or light dinner.Add chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra protein.
This salad keeps well in the fridge for 3 days (without avocado).
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for more protein if desired.
Perfect as a make-ahead lunch, picnic side dish, or light dinner.
Nutrition
Calories: 290kcal
Keyword gluten-free pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, red lentil pasta salad