5-Ingredient Recipes: Pasta Salad, 3 Ways

Here are 3 classic salads, re-created pasta style, made with 5 ingredients each.
pasta salad

Pasta salads may appear harmless or even good for you, but large portions of pasta, heavy dressings and high fat add-ins can ruin this picnic staple. Fresh ingredients, lots of vegetables, and a little portion control can make all the difference -- here are 3 classic salads, re-created pasta style, each made with 5 ingredients.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Serves: 8
6 cups cooked whole grain pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Combine ingredients in a large bowl; toss well.

Nutrition Info Per Serving:

Serves: 8; Calories: 300; Total Fat: 13 grams; Saturated Fat: 4 grams; Total Carbohydrate:  32 grams; Sugars: 4 grams; Protein:  15 grams; Sodium: 214 milligrams; Cholesterol: 18 milligrams; Fiber: 3 grams

pasta salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Serves: 8
6 cups cooked whole grain pasta (such as Barilla Plus)
12 ounces grilled or roasted chicken breast, diced
2 cups diced cucumber
2 cups diced romaine lettuce

Combine ingredients in a large bowl; toss well.

Nutrition Info Per Serving:

Serves: 8; Calories: 323; Total Fat: 12 grams; Saturated Fat: 2 grams; Total Carbohydrate: 31 grams; Sugars: 2 grams; Protein: 22 grams; Sodium: 181 milligrams; Cholesterol:  40 milligrams; Fiber:  3 grams

pasta salad
Cobb Pasta Salad

Serves: 8
6 cups cooked whole grain pasta
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
2 cups chopped tomato
2 cups diced avocado

Combine ingredients in a large bowl; toss well.

Nutrition Info Per Serving:

Serves: 4; Calories: 301; Total Fat: 10 grams; Saturated Fat: 2 grams; Total Carbohydrate: 43 grams; Sugars: 11 grams; Protein: 11 grams; Sodium: 363 milligrams; Cholesterol: 7 milligrams; Fiber: 6 grams

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

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