Sweet, sweet summertime. I love you. But with the afternoons reaching into the high-90s in Denver, I’ve had zero desire to turn on my oven (or spend ample time in front of the stove). In other words, I’ve been craving ice cream, ice cream, and more ice cream.

To compensate, I made a refreshing yet hearty pasta salad — one that tastes especially delicious before a large bowl of ice cream. Because balance, right? Much like this recipe, you’ll find colorful, vitamin-rich veggies, protein-packed pasta, and fresh herbs in the ingredient list below. Start to finish, this recipe took me 15 minutes. That’s it. And the beauty of this pasta salad is that it tastes better as time passes. Keep it in the fridge and enjoy liberal bowls all week. Meal prep, done.

This particular dish happens to be gluten-free and vegan, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. It’s also the perfect accompaniment to a backyard potluck, weekend BBQ, or weekday lunch. Enjoy!

Healthy Pasta Salad

With a variety of flavors and textures, this pasta salad will keep you coming back for more (a good thing, no less). I've included a few sources of healthy fats, protein, and complex carbs to keep you nourished and satisfied. While I omitted mayo — a standard ingredient in traditional pasta salad — I included this hummus for a creamy, well-coated consistency.

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Ingredients

1 box Eat Banza (but any pasta will do!)
1 8oz container of Hope Foods Kale Pesto Hummus
1 14oz can of artichoke hearts (in water)
2 stalks green onion
1 small organic bell pepper
1/2 small red onion
1/2 large organic cucumber
1/2 cup organic cherry tomatoes
3 tbsp capers
3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp avocado oil
1 tbsp garlic minced
handful organic basil leaves
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook your pasta according to the package.
While the pasta is cooking, rinse + drain your artichokes and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Chop the rest of the large veggies and herbs (green onion, bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and basil).
Once the pasta finishes cooking, rinse with cold water and add to the large mixing bowl.
Toss the pasta, veggies, herbs, and seeds together until the ingredients are evenly dispersed.
To the bowl, add your container of hummus and drizzle on your avocado oil. Evenly mix the hummus and oil until all ingredients are coated. Add a pinch or two of sea salt and a few cracks of black pepper. For an extra kick, feel free to add red chili flakes!
If eating immediately, stick the mixing bowl in your freezer for 3-5 minutes. Then, serve. If eating later, store in the fridge, covered.

Notes

If you make any of my recipes, please tag me (@wellnesswithedie) or use #wellnesswithedie on Instagram! That way, I can easily see your creations. For more recipes visit the wellnesswithedie.com.