Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with our vibrant and nutritious Pasta-less Salad, a delightful medley of fresh vegetables, savory deli meats, creamy cheese cubes, and zesty dressing. Bursting with flavor and brimming with color, this recipe offers a tantalizing alternative to traditional pasta salads, perfect for those seeking a lighter, low-carb option without compromising on taste or satisfaction. Follow our simple yet ingenious steps to create a dish that will elevate your mealtime experience to new heights of culinary excellence.
Ingredients:
- 1 large red pepper
- 1 large yellow pepper
- 1 large orange pepper
- 2 large green bell peppers
- 1 pack of snack-size tomatoes, quartered
- 2 cucumbers, halved, deseeded, and quartered
- 1 red onion
- 1/2 lb deli ham
- 1/2 lb deli turkey
- 1 package cheddar cheese cubes
- 1 small package real bacon bits
- 1 bottle of Skinny Girl Italian dressing
- Optional: black olives, banana peppers, shredded lettuce
Instructions:
- Preparation: Begin by washing and drying all the vegetables thoroughly. Core and seed the peppers, then slice them into bite-sized pieces. Quarter the snack-size tomatoes and halve and deseed the cucumbers before slicing them into quarters. Thinly slice the red onion. Dice the deli ham and turkey into bite-sized pieces.
- Mixing the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, deli ham, deli turkey, cheddar cheese cubes, and real bacon bits. Toss the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed throughout the bowl, creating a colorful and appetizing mixture.
- Dressing the Salad: Drizzle the Skinny Girl Italian dressing over the salad, ensuring all the ingredients are coated evenly. The tangy and flavorful dressing adds a zesty kick to the salad, enhancing its taste profile and tying all the ingredients together in perfect harmony.
- Optional Additions: If desired, incorporate black olives and banana peppers into the salad mixture for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Alternatively, add shredded lettuce to transform the dish into a refreshing and satisfying salad option.
- Meal Preparation: Once the salad is thoroughly mixed and dressed, portion it into individual containers for convenient meal prep throughout the week. The Pasta-less Salad is perfect for lunches on the go or as a quick and nutritious option for busy weekdays.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Pasta-less Salad as a standalone dish or pair it with your favorite protein for a complete and satisfying meal. Its versatility makes it an excellent option for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish at barbecues and gatherings.
Additional Tips:
- Customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences by incorporating additional vegetables such as shredded carrots, diced celery, or sliced radishes.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the deli meats and add extra cheese cubes or tofu for added protein.
- Experiment with different dressings to create unique flavor combinations, such as balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or Greek dressing.
- Make a larger batch of Pasta-less Salad and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify over time.
- Garnish the salad with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for an added touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness of our Pasta-less Salad, a colorful masterpiece that celebrates the abundance of fresh vegetables and savory delights. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a satisfying meal prep option, this recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Embrace the joy of healthy eating with this versatile and delicious dish that will leave you craving more with each delightful bite.
Pasta(less) Salad
Pasta(less) Salad
– 1 large red, yellow, and orange pepper
– 2 large green bell peppers
– 1 pack of snack size tomatoes, quartered
– 2 cucumbers halved and de-seeded then quartered
– 1/2 lb deli ham
– 1/2 lb deli turkey
– 1 package cheddar cheese cubes
– 1 small package real bacon bits
– 1 bottle of skinny girl Italian dressing
Mix it up and enjoy! I also bought black olives and banana peppers but couldn’t fit them 
Meal prepped this for lunches for the week! You could also add shredded lettuce and make a salad with it