Ingredients:
- 8 oz whole wheat rotini pasta (or any whole wheat pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or a few drops of stevia for sweetness (adjust to your taste)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
- Cook the whole wheat rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the veggies:
- While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the red onion and bell peppers, and chop the parsley.
- Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. If you want a slightly sweeter dressing, add honey or stevia to taste.
- Combine the ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, and black olives (if using). Toss to mix everything together.
- Add the dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies, and toss well to coat evenly.
- Optional add-ins:
- Stir in the feta cheese and chopped parsley for extra flavor and texture.
- Chill and serve:
- For best flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve as a refreshing, light dinner or as a side dish.
WW SmartPoints:
- The exact SmartPoints will depend on the specific ingredients and quantities used, but this salad is generally low in SmartPoints due to the use of whole wheat pasta and a simple, light dressing. To keep the points lower, you can skip or reduce the amount of olive oil and cheese.
Tips:
- Add Protein: To make this a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas to increase the protein content without adding too many SmartPoints.
- Other Veggies: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or avocado for different textures and flavors.
- Dressing Variations: If you prefer a creamier dressing, use a reduced-fat Greek yogurt base instead of the olive oil and vinegar.
This Rotini Pasta Salad is not only perfect for a light supper but also makes a great dish for meal prep, potlucks, or gatherings. Enjoy it with minimal guilt while staying on track with your WW plan!
