Pasta Salads (as a meal)

I would like to start bringing my lunch more. I am pregnant and have been staying away from deli meats, so I thought that pasta salad was a good idea.

Can you provide me with any ideas for FILLING pasta salads?

Thanks!

Re: Pasta Salads (as a meal)

I make this one all the time....
I often substitute broccoli if asparagus not in season. I also made it light by using nonfat yogurt, mayo, etc. And I use wheat pasta of choice.

Pasta Salad with Asparagus & White Beans
Ingredients
½ C Plain Nonfat Yogurt
½ C Nonfat Mayo
1/4 C Nonfat Milk
½ C (2oz) Crumbled Feta Cheese
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
½ tsp Dried dill weed
½ tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 C (2") diagonally cut asparagus spears
6 oz (about 2 C) uncooked radiatore or rontoni pasta
1 C canned great northern beans or white beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 C finely chipped celery
3 Tbsp finely chopped red onion
3Tbsp finely chopped flat lead parsley
Preparation
In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayo, milk, feta, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper until evenly blended.
Steam asparagus (broccoli can be used) on steamer rack over boiling water, or in a covered microwave-safe container with a little water, for 1 ½ to 2 minutes or until bright green and crisp tender.
Cool under cold running water, drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
Cook pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain pasta, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain again thoroughly.
In a large bowl combine pasta, asparagus, beans, celery, and onion.
Add dressing and parsley and mix to combine.
Keep refrigerated.

Re: Pasta Salads (as a meal)

My mom makes an Orzo and Shrimp Salad that is delicious! She adds steamed broccoli and red peppers to it as well and its filling and delicious! I don't have her exact recipe, but its so good!

Re: Pasta Salads (as a meal)

Can you eat tortellini? I make a pasta salad with that and it's very filling:
Tortellini
black olives
mushrooms
carrots
celery
broccoli
whatever dressing you like best. Sometimes I go italian, sometimes ranch.

All but the broccoli is raw. I usually cook frozen broccoli for the salad.

Re: Pasta Salads (as a meal)

Thanks ladies -- these all sound delish!