If you talk about healthy pasta recipes, then pasta salad comes to your mind as the first choice. It is actually the most favourite of summer foods. Even at its plainest with elbow noodles, mayonnaise, a careless scattering of onions and celery - it offers the impeccable embodiment of flavours. There are many forms of pasta salad known today to provide a different taste with each meal. The new school pasta salad made with multi-coloured tortellini or fusilli, sweet vinaigrette and then tossed in canned olives and raw pepper makes a food equivalent of great health. The addition of broccoli provides the additional punch and sets the flavours right. At its best, the non-veg pasta salad can get out there and adds to your enjoyment. Mix with steaks, salmon and grilled corn to enhance the flavour and complete your meal. However, there are some secrets to healthy pasta recipes:

Choosing the pasta

You need one pound of pasta but which one, it is up to you. Farfalle, penne, ziti, fusilli, rotelle, macaroni, etc. make a good choice. Once you have decided, proceed further by cooking the pasta in a gallon of boiling water seasoned with two tablespoon of salt until tender. Don't worry if the pasta sticks together, as the dressing will break it up.

Key ingredients

The add-ins help infuse taste to the pasta and the major ingredients can be - cooked or raw vegetables, seafood, poultry, mild cheese, canned beans or anything you like. Some of these ingredients need little or no preparation before going to salad. However, others need to be saut©ed or grilled.

Flavourings

For the best taste, choosing at least three major flavourings is recommended whereas only one should lead. The flavourings should be used more sparingly. You can pick roasted peppers, pine nuts or feta cheese for the Mediterranean feel. However, seeds and nuts bring the Asian feel.

Onions and herbs

Onions and herbs play a major role in enhancing the flavour of salad while accelerating the health benefits. Healthy pasta recipes are incomplete without herbs. You can add green onions, red onion, fresh herbs and orange or lemon zest.

Herbs can include cilantro, basis, citrus zests, parsley and mint. Use them chopped and minced to infuse flavour and good health.

Dressing

Lemon juice, strong brown vinegar and olive oil provide the best dressing option. Choose whatever pleases your taste buds and what your guests enjoy.

For more ideas, you can explore pasta salad options from other cooking styles and give a delicious modification to your meal.