Two things I absolutely love about summertime: using fresh herbs in dishes, and having little picnics. In today’s’ post, I’m going to show you how to do both!
This Creamy Italian Herb Pasta Salad is made with Stonyfield plain yogurt and fresh Italian herbs and is the perfect on-the-go dish that can be brought along for a picnic. The whole dish takes 20 minutes to make (that includes chopping the herbs and veggies) and travels really well. I like to put pasta salads in jars for easy transport.
To make the pasta salad you’ll start by boiling your noodles, and while your noodles are cooking, you’ll chop up fresh herbs (I used Basic, Thyme, Oregano and Rosemary) and then mix that into the dressing which is made of Stonyfield Smooth and Creamy Fat Free Plan Yogurt, lemon juice and a little olive oil. Next, you’ll chop all the veggies (green pepper, green onion and spinach) and then as soon as the pasta is done boiling, you’ll strain it and run it under cold water, then mix everything together. To make it even healthier, I love using Veggie pasta or whole wheat pasta. All in all one delicious and healthy pasta salad!
I’m no stranger to picnics-as you can see here– where my husband surprised me with an impromptu backyard picnic-and even when I’m on vacation I always pack a little snack for the trip (case in point, these little peanut butter sandwiches we brought for hiking).
Packing a picnic is super easy, you need the following:
- Something Savory – Like this Creamy Italian herb pasta salad
- Something Sweet – Like Chocolate Cherry Muffins (recipe to come tomorrow – they’re also made with Yogurt!)
- Something with a little Crunch – Like a baguette or some pretzels
- Something to drink – I fill a water bottle up with ice cubes
- Utensils and napkins – I wrap a fork and piece of paper towel together
- Blanket or tablecloth
- Paper or cloth bag to carry everything
Here’s one more picture of everything you need for a picnic:
Ingredients
- 1 Box 12 oz Beggie Rotini or whole wheat pasta
- 1 Green Bell Pepper finely chopped
- 3 Green Onions finely chopped
- 2 Cups Baby Spinach chopped
- 1 Cup Shaved Parmesan Cheese
- For the dressing-
- 1 6 oz container Stonyfield Smooth and Creamy Fat Free Plain Yogurt
- 1 Tbs Lemon Juice
- 2 Tbs fresh herbs finely chopped (I used Basil, Oregano, Thyme and Rosemary, you could use 1 Tbs dried herbs in place of fresh herbs)
- 1 Tbs Olive Oil
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to instructions. When you strain the water after the pasta is done, run under cool water to cool the pasta down.
- While the pasta is cooking, make the dressing by stirring or whisking together the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil and salt.
- When pasta is done cooking and is cool, pour dressing over the pasta so that it coats all the noodles, then add the chopped veggies, and lastly sprinkle the parmesan over it and toss. Spoon into jars or Tupperware container and enjoy, take on a picnic or store in the refrigerator!
I am honored to be a member of the Stonyfield Clean Plate Club. I received product or coupons for writing this post, but all opinions are my own.
John @ Garage Gyms says
This is a nice idea. And ya, it’s herb blowing up time. My basil is out of control. First peppers are starting to grow too, though I think it’ll still be a while =)
Sweetphi says
That’s so great that your basil is out of control, my basil has never lasted or grown crazy, so this year it’s my mission, i’m babying it and have high hopes-do you have any special tips? We also saw our first baby tomato yesterday! Hope you have a great growing season, using fresh herbs is just THE BEST, isn’t it?!?
Rollercoaster Mum says
That looks delicious and very easy – we usually end up with just sandwiches! In fact we had a picnic today – although it wasn’t exactly sunny!
Sweetphi says
This pasta salad was exactly that – delicious and very easy 🙂 Hope you enjoy many picnics throughout the summer, and here’s to hoping the weather is a little better!
Jo Clarke (@joclarker) says
Mmm, this looks delicious! We have loads of picnics at this time of year and although the kids are happy with sandwiches I am always looking for something different. I don’t know why I never thought of a pasta salad but you have inspired me 🙂
Sweetphi says
Why thank you, so glad to show some more options for a picnic!
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
Ahhh!!!!! Fresh herbs in summer is just about the most fantastic thing! That and this pasta salad! I loveeeee that you used yogurt for dressing it up! I’m making this tonight for dinner! 🙂
Sweetphi says
Isn’t using herbs just the most fantastic thing? Love the way you put that and I 100% agree! And thanks for commenting 🙂
emilytealady says
What a great idea, l love a pasta salad and this looks really healthy and delicious. Looking at your pictures for a picnic, I want to go on one. If only it would stop raining!
Sweetphi says
Why thank you for that sweet comment! Picnics are definitely super fun-I hope it stops raining so you can go on one 🙂
anecdotesandapples says
Gorgeous pasta salad. Love all the herbs. We are trying to plan a menu for Lucy’s birthday and I’m adding this!
Sweetphi says
I’m so glad you’re going to add this to your menu, I think you’ll really enjoy it! Let me know how it all comes out!
City Coastal Life (@CityCoastalLife) says
looks delicious! Can’t wait for the weather to change so we can have a picnic.
Sweetphi says
I too hope the weather changes asap so you can have a picnic, they’re the best, aren’t they?
Ashley says
I love using fresh herbs this time of the year! Especially since I can just walk outside and grab some from our planter : ) haha makes it easy. This pasta looks delicious!
Sweetphi says
It does make it so easy when one can just walk to the planter, totally agree 🙂 I wish I could have fresh herbs all year round, but somehow they don’t do so hot inside in the winters! Thanks for commenting girl!