Healthy Summer Pasta

This post is sponsored by Prasada Foods. I’m thrilled to be partnering with such a great company that is deeply invested in sustainable farming, fair trade practices, and providing high-quality food! As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

Healthy Summer Pasta

I don’t know about you, but I love pasta no matter what season it is! I do, however, prefer to switch to a lighter pasta when spring and summertime roll around. Last summer Brent started making us this light summer pasta using fresh zucchini and summer squash from our parents’ gardens and it instantly became a hit in our home.

Beyond having a wonderful flavor, I also love the simplicity of this springtime pasta. As you might know, I enjoy baking, but cooking does not come easily to me. Yet, I’m confident that this is a recipe even I could succeed in! The steps are simple – mix the dressing, cook the pasta, soften the vegetables, and mix it all together. We typically use Prasada Foods Avocado Oil because of the health benefits of avocado oil, but you could also use Extra Virgin Olive Oil and it would be just as delicious. This summer pasta is full of healthy ingredients including grilled chicken, garden vegetables, healthy oils, and gluten-free brown rice pasta.

Print Recipe

Healthy Summer Pasta

If you're looking for a lighter, healthier pasta to enjoy when the weather warms up, this recipe is for you! Full of garden vegetables, grilled chicken, and healthy oils, this summer pasta is as delicious as it is simple. It it also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a healthy meal option for those with food allergies.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Total Time30 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Allergen-free, Dairy-Free, Gluten Free, Healthy, Pasta, Vegetables

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

Homemade Italian Dressing

• 1/2 cup avocado oil (can sub extra virgin olive oil)
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (can sub white wine vinegar)
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• sea salt, to taste

Healthy Summer Pasta

• 2 grilled chicken breasts (grill before beginning pasta)
• 1 cup pasta noodles (can use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 medium summer squash
• 1 tbsp avocado oil (can sub extra virgin olive oil)
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

Instructions

Homemade Italian Dressing

• Place all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.

Healthy Summer Pasta

• Cook pasta according to instructions on box.
• While cooking pasta, cut the zucchini and summer squash into small moon-shaped pieces. Slice grilled chicken breasts into strips.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add zucchini and squash and cook for 5-10 minutes, tossing occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften. Add crushed garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Remove skillet from heat. Drain pasta. Add vegetables, grilled chicken, and the entire batch of homemade Italian dressing into the pasta bowl. Stir to combine and serve warm.
• Optional: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

• We like to use avocado oil, but you can also sub with extra virgin olive oil.
• We typically use this Gluten-Free Organic Brown Rice Pasta. It cooks nicely and is wonderful if you’re trying to eat less gluten in your diet.
• The homemade Italian dressing recipe is adapted from this recipe.