Pasta is one of those items enjoyed by kids and adults, especially at summer time pool parties, picnics and BBQs. However, if you keep following the typical recipe, the dish starts to get boring for everyone. But, adding some kick to the mains can make it worthy once again. Here are some amazing and healthy pasta recipes you can try this summer.
These healthy recipes highlight the best ingredients of the season and will have every one asking for another around. Try these innovative recipes to make everyone happy while giving them the much needed energy through healthy ingredients used. The recipes are available below with required ingredients and procedures.
Macaroni Salad with Chickpeas
Macaroni with chickpeas is one heck of a healthy recipe. It’s a massive kick of protein as for those of you who don’t know that chickpeas are rich in protein, so it is a healthy recipe that your kids will definitely enjoy. Many kids don’t like to eat chickpeas, but it is one of the important foods. This is a great way to give your kids a healthy diet and doesn’t require a lot of effort to make. Macaroni salad with chickpeas is pretty easy to make, with a handful ingredients, you can make this healthy recipe. Below are the ingredients required and the procedure to make the dish. Make sure to follow the instructions properly to get appreciations.
Ingredients:
- Cooked macaroni – 2 cups
- Cherry tomatoes (halved) – 1 cup
- Chives (chopped) – ¼ cup
- Yellow pepper (roughly chopped) – 1
- Chickpeas – 1 cup or 2 can
- Golden balsamic vinegar – 2 tablespoon
- Pomegranate molasses – 1 ½ teaspoon
- Avocado oil – 1 tablespoon
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
You don’t have to put in a lot of effort to make the salad. All you need to do is cook the macaronis according to the box instructions. After cooking, set them aside to cool down. If the chickpeas are already cooked, then add all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them thoroughly. The salad is ready to be served.
Southwestern Pasta Salad
This particular recipe is one of the healthiest ones. It is packed with protein and veggies, making it a great dish serving to try this summer. We are sure that your kids will enjoy eating this colorful yet healthy salad while enjoying on the pool side. Below are the ingredients required and followed by the instructions. Read carefully to make this amazing recipe the way it is meant to be.
Ingredients:
For salad
- Pasta – 8 ounces
- Black beans – 1.15 ounces
- Grape tomatoes – 1 cup
- Diced red bell pepper – ½ cup
- Diced orange – ½ cup
- Diced red onion – ½ cup
- Sweet corn – ½ cup
- Avocado (large) – 1
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime juicing
- Chopped cilantro – ¼ cup
Avocado Dressing
- Ripe avocados – 2
- Plain Greek yogurt – 3 tablespoons
- Low fat butter milk – ½ cup
- Garlic minced – 2 cloves
- Chopped cilantro – ¼ cup
- Green onion – 2 tablespoons
- Jalapeno pepper – 1 small
- Lime juice – 2 to 3 tablespoons
- Ground cumin – ¼ teaspoon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
You have to boil the pasta first, just follow the instructions on the cover. While your pasta is on stove, start making the avocado dressing. Blend all the ingredients of the dressing in a blender and blend until smooth. Next, combine pasta, black beans, tomatoes, peppers, red onion, corn and chopped avocado in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and keep mixing until the salad is well coated. In the end garnish it with salt and pepper, lime juice and chopped cilantro. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Shrimp, Avocado and Pasta Salad
The Shrimp, Avocado and Pasta Salad, is the best on the go salad which is easy to make and full of flavors. It’s a complete pack of healthy ingredients that will keep you and your family full and energetic. Below are the ingredients and instructions.
Ingredients:
- Uncooked garden rotini – 3 cups
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil leaves – 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano leaves – 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil – ¼ cup
- Lemon zest – 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice – ¼ cup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese – 1/3 cup
- Shrimps (large) – 10
- Bay leaves – 2 to 3
- Avocado (large) – 1
- Diced green or orange bell pepper – ½ cup
- Diced red onion – ¼ cup
- Spinach – 1 cup
- Mint leaves – 2 tablespoons
- Italian leave parsley – 2 tablespoons
- Cherry tomato – 1 cup
- Cucumber – ½ cup
- Purple cabbage – ½ cup
Instructions:
To make this healthy recipe, you don’t need to invest too much time. Start by cooking pasta; follow the instructions stated on the cover or box. After the pasta gets its shape, put it in a large bowl and add lemon juice, olive oil, dried basil leaves, oregano and parmesan cheese. Mix them well and let the pasta soak all the juice. While you are doing this, in a pot bring water to boil. Add some bay leaves, followed by shrimps. Boil for 5 minutes, the color will change to pink. Remove it from the stove, rinse with water and remove the shells. Add lemon juice, lemon zest and garlic powder. Mix them together and add all the remaining ingredients to the bowl. Combine well and serve chilled.
