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Low Fat Italian Pasta Salad Recipe 🥗
Description: This low-fat, low-cholesterol Italian-flavored pasta salad is perfect for those on a health-conscious diet. Bursting with flavors, it’s a delightful blend of cooked veggies, herbs, and pasta, all tossed together in a light and tangy dressing. If you’re aiming for a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious, this recipe is a must-try!
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Water | – |
Zucchini | 1 |
Roma tomato | 1 |
Onion | 1 |
Garlic | 1/2 clove |
Bell pepper | 1 |
Rotini pasta | 2 cups |
Basil | To taste |
Marjoram | To taste |
Rosemary | To taste |
Salad toppers | To taste |
Low-fat Parmesan | To taste |
Red pepper flakes | To taste |
Garlic seasoning | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Veggies:
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the zucchini, roma tomato, onion, garlic, and bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces.
-
Sauté the Veggies:
- In a large skillet, heat a splash of fat-free Italian dressing over medium heat. Add the diced garlic, onions, bell pepper, zucchini, and roma tomato to the skillet.
- Sauté the vegetables in the dressing and a cup of water, aiming to avoid oils and butter, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Season the vegetables with basil, marjoram, and rosemary to taste. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.
-
Combine Pasta and Veggies:
- Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing and vegetables.
-
Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle the salad toppers, low-fat Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and garlic seasoning over the pasta and veggies. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the low-fat Italian pasta salad to a serving bowl or individual plates.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this nutritious and satisfying dish!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 21.6
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 8mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.8g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Sugar: 2.2g
- Protein: 1.1g
Tips for Serving:
- This low-fat Italian pasta salad can be served warm or chilled, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch or dinner option.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
- For an extra boost of protein, consider adding grilled chicken breast or cooked shrimp to the salad.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors tend to meld together even more, making it even tastier the next day!
With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients, this low-fat Italian pasta salad is sure to become a staple in your healthy eating repertoire. Enjoy this guilt-free dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious! 🌿🍅