Cold pasta salads are perfect quick summer meals. Here are some simple pasta recipes that are easy to prepare, contain just a few fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and make flavorful and healthy meals in minutes. Enjoy them all summer long and anytime you want a quick and delicious meal.

Zucchini Pasta Salad with Pesto Cream: You will need, 2 cups whole grain pasta (cooked – choose a small to medium noodle like penne, farfalle or macaroni), 1 cup zucchini (thinly sliced half-moons), one-half cup frozen corn kernels (thawed and drained), one-quarter cup prepared sun-dried tomato pesto, and one-half cup low-fat sour cream. Directions: Prepare pasta according to package directions. When the pasta is finished cooking, drain and place in a mixing bowl with the zucchini and the corn. In a smaller bowl, combine the pesto and the sour cream and mix until well blended. Add this mixture to the salad ingredients and toss well to combine. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serving Idea: For a simple light meal serve this easy pasta salad over a bed of salad greens with pita chips on the side. Makes 2-3 servings.

Chicken Pasta Salad: You will need, 3 cups cooked pasta (small noodles like rotini, farfalle, or macaroni), 2 cups store bought prepared roasted chicken (roughly chopped), one-half cup celery (medium dice), 2 cups baby spinach, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice. Directions: Prepare pasta according to package directions. When pasta is finished cooking, drain and place in a mixing bowl, along with the chicken, celery and spinach. Either in a jar with a lid or a small bowl, combine the mustard and the lemon juice and mix until thoroughly combined. Add the dressing to the salad ingredients and toss to combine. Let salad marinate for at least an hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop. As you serve each salad you can squeeze on a little more lemon juice if desired. Serving Idea: Serve this quick pasta salad over slices of avocado and mandarin orange sections. Makes 3-4 servings.

Lemon Couscous Salad Recipe: You will need, 1 cup dry couscous (prepare according to package directions), 1 cup cucumber (diced), 1 tablespoon olive oil, one-quarter cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, and one-quarter teaspoon dried mint. Directions: Prepare the couscous according to the package directions. While couscous is cooking, combine the other ingredients in a bowl and add couscous when it is ready, salt and pepper to taste, and toss well to combine. Refrigerate and serve chilled. Serving Idea: Serve salad wrapped inside of lettuce leaves drizzled with a little peanut sauce. Add warm garlic rolls on the side. Makes 2 servings.

With just a few simple, fresh ingredients you can make great meals in minutes. Try these easy and healthy summer pasta salads anytime.

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