Healthy Tuscan Pasta Salad
This Healthy Tuscan Pasta Salad is loaded with Mediterranean flavors and made lighter with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, olives, and whole wheat pasta, it’s a hearty yet wholesome dish that’s perfect served cold or at room temp. Great for meal prep too!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Lunch
- Method: No Bake/No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
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12 oz whole wheat or gluten-free pasta (penne or rotini)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped and drained
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2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
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½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
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¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
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¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
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¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
For the dressing:
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3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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2 tbsp lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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½ tsp dried oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
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In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, olives, red onion, and basil.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
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Add feta if using and gently mix again.
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Chill for 30 minutes before serving or enjoy immediately.
Notes
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Can be made ahead — flavors improve after a few hours in the fridge.
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Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
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Make it vegan by omitting the feta or using a plant-based alternative.
Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/healthy-tuscan-pasta-salad/