Pasta(less) Salad: A Fresh, Hearty, and Guilt-Free Alternative

This Pasta(less) Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that replaces traditional pasta with colorful, crunchy veggies. Packed with fresh produce, deli meats, cheese, and a tangy Italian dressing, this salad is perfect for meal prepping or a light lunch. It offers all the flavors and textures of a hearty pasta salad but with fewer carbs and more nutrients. It’s a versatile dish that can easily be customized with your favorite toppings, making it a great addition to your meal rotation.

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients and Preparation

Here’s what you’ll need to make this refreshing and hearty salad:

• Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, orange, and green bell peppers adds a burst of color, sweetness, and crunch. These vibrant peppers are the base of the salad, providing a satisfying texture that replaces the pasta.
• Cucumbers: Halved, de-seeded, and quartered, cucumbers add a cool, crisp bite that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
• Snack Tomatoes: Quartered snack-size tomatoes bring a juicy, sweet-tart flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, zesty kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.
• Deli Ham and Turkey: The combination of deli ham and turkey adds protein and a savory richness, making this salad a more filling and satisfying meal.
• Cheddar Cheese Cubes: Cheddar cheese cubes provide a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the crisp vegetables and savory meats.
• Real Bacon Bits: The addition of bacon bits adds a smoky, salty crunch that takes this salad to the next level.
• Skinny Girl Italian Dressing: This light and tangy dressing ties all the ingredients together, offering a flavorful yet guilt-free dressing option.

Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables: Start by chopping the red, yellow, orange, and green bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Halve and de-seed the cucumbers, then quarter them. Quarter the snack-size tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. These fresh, crisp vegetables are the heart of the salad, adding a satisfying crunch and vibrant color.
2. Prepare the Meats and Cheese: Dice the deli ham and turkey into bite-sized pieces. This adds protein and heartiness to the salad. Then, grab a package of cheddar cheese cubes, which will provide a creamy, tangy contrast to the crisp veggies.
3. Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine all the prepped vegetables, meats, and cheese cubes. Add the real bacon bits for that smoky crunch.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the bottle of Skinny Girl Italian Dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated. The light, tangy dressing brings everything together, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.
5. Customize as You Like: If you have extra ingredients like black olives or banana peppers that didn’t fit into the original mix, feel free to add them to your portion as you go. You can also mix in some shredded lettuce to turn this into a more traditional salad if you prefer.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta(less) Salad

• Healthy and Low-Carb: By swapping pasta for fresh vegetables, this salad is a lighter and healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad is ideal for meal prepping, as it stores well in the fridge and makes a great lunch option throughout the week.
• Customizable: Easily customize this salad to suit your tastes by adding different vegetables, proteins, or toppings. You can also switch up the dressing to keep things interesting.

Tips for Success

• Chop Evenly: When chopping your vegetables, try to keep them in similar sizes for a uniform texture and easy mixing.
• Add Dressing Just Before Serving: If you’re meal prepping, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to keep the veggies crisp.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a great salad is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Make sure your veggies are crisp and your deli meats and cheese are fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Variations

• Add a Protein: For an extra protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs.
• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meats and bacon bits, and add more veggies like avocado, chickpeas, or roasted sweet potatoes.
• Switch Up the Dressing: While Skinny Girl Italian Dressing is a great light option, you can experiment with different dressings like balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or a homemade lemon tahini dressing for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta(less) Salad is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to cut down on carbs while still enjoying a hearty, flavorful meal. With the vibrant mix of vegetables, protein-rich meats, creamy cheese, and a zesty dressing, this salad is satisfying enough to enjoy on its own or as a side dish. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick and easy lunch option, this salad is sure to become a favorite! Enjoy the fresh flavors and crunch in every bite!