Looking for a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch? Look no further! Our Healthy Lunch Pasta Salad combines wholesome ingredients with vibrant flavors to create a light and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and enjoy. Packed with colorful veggies, protein-rich chickpeas, and a zesty dressing, this pasta salad is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or looking for a quick and tasty lunch option, this recipe has got you covered.
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**Healthy Lunch Pasta Salad**
**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz whole wheat pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, chickpeas, and fresh basil. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat everything with the dressing.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and gently fold it into the vegetable mixture until everything is well combined and coated in the dressing.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. When ready to serve, give the pasta salad a good toss to refresh the flavors and serve chilled. Enjoy as a light and satisfying lunch option or as a side dish for your favorite main course.
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Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a convenient meal prep option or a home cook wanting to add more nutritious recipes to your repertoire, this Healthy Lunch Pasta Salad is a versatile and delicious choice. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. This salad can be easily adapted to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta variety. With its colorful presentation and fresh flavors, this pasta salad is a wonderful addition to any mealtime. So, whip up a batch and indulge in a wholesome and flavorful lunch that will keep you energized throughout the day!
