RECIPE: Healthy pasta salad | Meg Unprocessed

This is a healthy spin on the classic pasta salad dish. It's packed with flavorful vegetables, pasta and a light, red wine vinegar herbed dressing. 

Durum wheat pasta is high in iron and a healthy carbohydrate that can help boost energy levels. If you're looking for a gluten-free option or one higher in protein and fiber I suggest using a bean or lentil pasta. Red lentil pasta is my favorite to use.

Salad ingredients

• 2/3 cup Tomatoes (halved) 
• 1/2 cup Bell Peppers (chopped) 
• 1/3 cup Onions (chopped) 
• 1/4 cup Green Onions (chopped) 
• 1/4 cup Sun Dried Tomatoes (chopped) 
• 1/3 cup Pepperoncini (halved) 
• 1/2 cup Dairy-Free Cheese (optional, I used KiteHill Almond Cheese) 

Red Wine Vinegar Dressing

• 1/3 cup Red Wine Vinegar
• 2-3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Thyme 
• 1/2 Lemon (just the juice) 
• 1/4 tsp Salt (optional or to taste) 

Instructions

• Cook your pasta according to package instructions. While it's cooking, make the dressing by adding all the ingredients to a bowl and mix together. Once the pasta is cooked, add all the salad ingredients to a bowl, pour the dressing on top and lightly mix together. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

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