Pasta Salad

A quick dressing made from za'atar, red-wine vinegar and oil coats the noodles in this healthy pasta salad recipe. Cucumber adds crunch, while parsley provides an herbaceous note. Serve as a side dish or add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.

a recipe photo of the Pasta Salad
Photo: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
10

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces whole-wheat penne

  • ¼ cup canola oil

  • 3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons za'atar

  • ¾ teaspoon salt

  • 1 pound Campari tomatoes, cored and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges (about 3 cups)

  • 1 medium English cucumber, cut into half-moons (about 2 1/4 cups)

  • 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold running water; set aside.

  2. Whisk oil, vinegar, za'atar and salt together in a large bowl. Add the drained pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and chickpeas; toss gently to combine. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

To make ahead

Refrigerate for up to 1 day.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

242 Calories
8g Fat
37g Carbs
8g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Serving Size about 1 1/4 cups
Calories 242
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 37g 13%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 8g 16%
Total Fat 8g 10%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Vitamin A 947IU 19%
Vitamin C 16mg 18%
Vitamin E 1mg 9%
Folate 36mcg 9%
Vitamin K 107mcg 89%
Sodium 281mg 12%
Calcium 46mg 4%
Iron 3mg 17%
Magnesium 59mg 14%
Potassium 353mg 8%
Zinc 1mg 9%
Omega 3 1g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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