
Pasta Salad is a versatile and refreshing cold dish originating from Italy, typically featuring cooked pasta tossed with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, cheeses, meats, and a flavorful dressing. It's a staple at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks worldwide, celebrated for its adaptability to seasonal produce and personal tastes.
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Pasta Salad is generally high in carbohydrates from the pasta, with moderate fat from dressings or cheeses and variable protein depending on added ingredients like chicken or beans. A standard serving provides key nutrients like fiber (if whole-grain pasta or veggies are used) and vitamins from fresh vegetables, with a rough calorie range of 300-500 per cup, depending on the recipe.
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin A | 80 mcg RAE |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Folate | 60 mcg DFE |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, Pasta Salad embodies the Italian philosophy of 'cucina povera' (peasant cooking) by transforming simple, affordable ingredients into a communal, crowd-pleasing dish. Nutritionally, it's unique as a balanced meal-in-one that can be easily customized for dietary needs, such as vegan or gluten-free versions, making it a global canvas for culinary creativity.
AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms