Keto Retro Pasta Salad
This Keto Retro Pasta Salad recipe will take you back in time and is perfect for healthy cookouts!
Summer is here, and that means it's time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious BBQ with friends and family! While traditional pasta salad is a staple at most summer gatherings, they are usually loaded with inflammatory ingredients like wheat noodles, seed oil-based mayo, and even GMO white sugar.
If you’re looking to switch things up and upgrade your BBQ with a healthier alternative, you’ll love this Keto Retro Pasta Salad! It’s a delicious and nutritious side dish that is sure to impress your wellness-conscious guests.
Bright, refreshing, and full of texture, this Keto Retro Pasta Salad brings a nostalgic twist to the classic picnic staple—minus the carbs. Made with Kaizen low-carb pasta and a medley of vibrant vegetables (or fruit alternatives), it’s a perfect balance of crisp, juicy, briny, and savory flavors. Dressed with heart-healthy olive oil and red wine vinegar, this dish is gluten-free, low-carb, refined sugar-free, and ideal for keto-friendly meal prep, potlucks, or light lunches.
Ingredient Benefits
Kaizen Low-Carb Pasta – A keto-friendly pasta alternative high in protein and fiber, with significantly fewer carbs than traditional pasta, making it ideal for blood sugar balance and satiety.
Bell Peppers / Beets / Carrots – These colorful options are loaded with antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation. Beets and carrots add a subtle sweetness and earthy balance.
Cucumbers – Hydrating and crisp, cucumbers are low in calories and provide vitamin K and antioxidants that support skin and bone health.
Red Onion – Adds a bold, zesty bite while supplying quercetin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that supports heart and immune health.
Cherry Tomatoes / Strawberries – Whether you opt for tomatoes or strawberries, both are rich in vitamin C, lycopene, and polyphenols, promoting healthy aging and cellular protection.
Olives – Provide monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and gut-friendly polyphenols that promote heart and brain health.
Capers (Optional) – Small but mighty, capers offer a salty tang and are a good source of antioxidants and flavonoids.
Fresh Parsley – More than just a garnish, parsley is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and chlorophyll, supporting detox and bone strength.
Olive Oil – A staple of Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil is packed with heart-healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties.
Red Wine Vinegar – Enhances flavor while aiding digestion and supporting blood sugar regulation thanks to its natural acetic acid content.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance flavor while providing trace minerals and mild metabolic support.