Creamy Low-Point Pasta Veggie Salad (Quick & Easy!)

“Love this salad… made it every week for 4 weeks straight… only 2 points… can’t get enough!”
This light, creamy pasta salad is refreshing, filling, and incredibly easy—perfect for beginners, meal prep, or a healthy side dish.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Salad

• 2 cups cooked pasta (whole wheat or low-point pasta), cooled
• 1 cup cucumber, chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup celery, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)

For the Creamy Dressing

• ½ cup fat-free Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp light mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
• Extra black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook the Pasta
   Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain well and let it cool completely (important for best texture).
2. Prepare the Dressing
   In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Combine
   Add cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, celery, and onion to the bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
4. Chill
   Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and makes the salad even better.
5. Serve
   Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve cold.

✨ Why This Is a “Low-Point” Recipe

• Uses fat-free Greek yogurt instead of full-fat mayo
• Packed with high-volume, low-calorie veggies
• Light mayo adds creaminess without many points
• Filling but light—great for weight-loss or maintenance

🔄 Easy Variations & Swaps

• Add protein: Shredded chicken, tuna, or boiled eggs
• More fiber: Use chickpea or lentil pasta
• Flavor twist: Swap dill for ranch seasoning or Italian herbs
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based yogurt + vegan light mayo

🧮 Nutrition Information (Approx. Per Serving)

(Based on 4 servings, may vary by brand)

• Calories: 150–170 kcal
• Protein: 7–9 g
• Carbohydrates: 22–25 g
• Fat: 3–4 g
• Fiber: 3–5 g
• Sugar: 3–4 g
• Sodium: Moderate (adjust salt as needed)

Estimated Points: ~2 points per serving (using low-point pasta & fat-free yogurt)

 Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
✔️ Yes! It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Q: Why must the pasta be cooled first?
Cooling prevents the dressing from becoming watery and keeps the texture creamy.

Q: Can I skip the mayo completely?
Yes. Use only Greek yogurt—it will be tangier and slightly less creamy but still delicious.

Q: Is this good for beginners?
Absolutely! No fancy techniques—just mix, chill, and enjoy.

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, just cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.

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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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