Low Fat Pasta Salad Recipes

Pasta salad is not usually a low-fat side dish, though many people enjoy it anyway. Cooks who prefer to cook a bit healthier should try low fat pasta salad recipes like the ones below. There are some great ones, including versions that are not considered typical pasta salad like macaroni and fruit salad. Everyone will be coming back for seconds without any guilt.Low fat macaroni salad features fat-free mayonnaise, plain low-fat yogurt, and Dijon mustard rather than the fattier ingredients. Using 1/3 cup of yogurt and mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of mustard results in a tangy salad that features just 1.2 grams of fat per serving. Cooks can even increase the amount of mayonnaise and yogurt to a half-cup each without significantly affecting the fat content.A very healthy and low fat macaroni salad mealEasy preparation is the great thing about pasta salad. 

Try this recipe for a chicken pasta salad that is low fat, fast, and delicious:You will need:• 2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts• ½ bottle low or non-fat Italian salad dressing• Mrs. Dash seasoning• Dill weed• Basil• Black pepper• ½ pound rotini• 2 large carrots, diced• 1 large red pepper, diced• 3 celery stalks, diced• 1 medium white onion diced• 1 large tomato, diced• 1 large cucumber, diced• 20 black olives, slicedDelicious pasta salad with chickenStep 1: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with Mrs. Dash and bake them in a 350-degree oven until they are slightly browned. Remove them from the oven and chill.Step 2: Cook the pasta according to the box instructions, then chill it.Step 3: Mix together the vegetables and add basil, dill, and black pepper to taste. Add the pasta, chicken, and Italian dressing. Toss and chill, serving cold as a meal.Low fat macaroni salad recipeA delicious pasta and fruit salad is low fat and perfect for a summer picnic. Simply combine cooked pasta shells with your favorite cut fruit and add a mixture of ¼ cup low-sugar orange juice and eight ounces of low-fat vanilla yogurt. After tossing the fruit to coat it, cover and chill the salad for two hours before serving.Experiment with these and other low fat pasta salad recipes. You will be amazed at how many tasty meals and side dishes are available that are much healthier than a mayonnaise-laden traditional pasta salad. A low fat diet is better for the body and when combined with regular exercise, is part of a healthy lifestyle.