Vibrant Spring Greens Pasta Salad
Introducing a delightful and refreshing pasta salad that combines the vibrant flavors of spring vegetables with the heartiness of pasta. Perfectly crafted for any family gathering, this Vibrant Spring Greens Pasta Salad is a favorite at potlucks, often disappearing before your eyes! This dish showcases an array of fresh ingredients, from crisp spring mix to juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy olives. You can easily customize it with your preferred greens or proteins, such as succulent shrimp instead of chicken. Lightly dressed with a zesty black bean garlic sauce and your favorite Italian dressing, this pasta salad is a symphony of tastes and textures that'll brighten any meal.
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti noodles
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
spring greens (salad)
1 (16 ounce) bag (ready to use)
cherry tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) container (halved)
black olives
1 (6 ounce) can (cut in halves)
cooked chicken (optional)
1/2 lb (diced or shredded)
black bean garlic sauce
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
Italian dressing
3/4-1 cup (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse thoroughly under cold water and drain well.
2
In a large salad bowl, combine the drained pasta with the optional cooked chicken or shrimp, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of black bean garlic sauce. Toss gently to lightly coat the noodles with the sauce to enhance the flavor.
3
Next, add the entire bag of spring greens, black olives, and halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly mixed.
4
Finally, drizzle 3/4 to 1 cup of your favorite Italian dressing over the salad, mixing thoroughly to ensure every bite is well-dressed and flavorful.
5
This salad can be enjoyed immediately, or for enhanced flavors, chill it in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
20g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Vibrant Spring Greens Pasta Salad
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta salad?
There are 160 calories per serving.
What type of noodles are used in the Vibrant Spring Greens Pasta Salad?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of spaghetti noodles.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 8g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 6g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of salad greens are recommended?
A 16-ounce bag of spring greens or spring mix is recommended.
Can I add meat to this pasta salad?
Yes, you can add 1/2 lb of cooked diced or shredded chicken, or substitute with succulent shrimp.
What unique sauce is used to coat the noodles?
Black bean garlic sauce is used to lightly coat the noodles for enhanced flavor.
What type of dressing is used for the salad?
The recipe uses 3/4 to 1 cup of your favorite Italian dressing, either homemade or store-bought.
How should I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved.
What should I do with the black olives?
The black olives should be cut in halves.
Should the pasta be served warm or cold?
The pasta should be rinsed under cold water and can be chilled for an hour before serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients listed.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as a favorite at potlucks and family gatherings.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the optional chicken or shrimp to make it a vegetarian option.
How long should the salad be chilled before serving?
It is recommended to chill the salad in the refrigerator for one hour for enhanced flavors.
What size container of cherry tomatoes is needed?
You will need one 8-ounce container of cherry tomatoes.
What size can of black olives is used?
The recipe uses one 6-ounce can of black olives.
How much black bean garlic sauce should I use?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of black bean garlic sauce to taste.
How should the spaghetti be treated after cooking?
It should be rinsed thoroughly under cold water and drained well.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe.
Can I customize the greens in this salad?
Yes, the recipe is customizable with your preferred greens.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions.
When do I add the Italian dressing?
Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad as the final step before serving or chilling.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Toss the ingredients gently in a large salad bowl until everything is evenly mixed.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include pasta salad, healthy salad, quick meal, spring mix, and potluck dish.
Is there any sugar or fiber information available?
The sugar and fiber content values are currently not specified in the recipe data.
Can I use homemade dressing?
Yes, you can use either homemade or store-bought Italian dressing.
What makes this salad 'vibrant'?
Its vibrancy comes from the combination of fresh spring vegetables like cherry tomatoes and spring greens.