Cold pasta salads

Cold pasta salad is a versatile, chilled dish made by tossing cooked pasta with a variety of fresh vegetables, cheeses, and a vinaigrette or creamy dressing. It is a staple of summer picnics and barbecues, particularly popular in the United States and Italy, where it's often served as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is typically high in carbohydrates from the pasta, with moderate fat from the dressing and cheese, and can be a good source of fiber and vitamins if loaded with vegetables. A standard serving generally ranges from 300 to 450 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	380 kcal
Protein	10 g
Carbs	45 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	520 mg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Vitamin K	25 mcg
Folate	80 mcg
Potassium	280 mg
Magnesium	30 mg
Iron	2 mg
Calcium	100 mg
Selenium	18 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a quintessential 'potluck' food, prized for its ability to be made ahead and served cold without losing quality. Nutritionally, it's a unique vehicle for incorporating a wide variety of raw and cooked vegetables into a single, satisfying dish.