Meal prep whole-grain pasta salad

A gut-friendly, fiber-rich meal-prep pasta salad for balanced days.

Meal Prep Friendly High Fiber Protein Rich
88%

General Gut Health Match

This score is based on all ingredients included in the food recipe and provides a match score for the general population which is not personalized to your personal profile or gut microbiome test.

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Recipe description

Wholesome, make-ahead pasta salad built with whole-grain pasta and colorful vegetables to support steady digestion and daily fiber intake. The dish focuses on plant variety to nourish a diverse gut environment, with naturally occurring polyphenols and prebiotic-friendly fibers from whole grains and produce. Ideal for meal prep: assemble once, portion for the week, and enjoy balanced nutrition that fits busy days. A friendly, approachable way to couple flavor with gut-health mindfulness, without relying on extreme claims or gimmicks.

June 28, 2026
Meal prep whole-grain pasta salad
Prep 15 min Cook 12 min Easy

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Why this recipe fits you

  • Rich in fiber from whole-grain pasta and vegetables.
  • Includes colorful plant foods that support dietary diversity and polyphenol intake.
  • Balanced with protein and healthy fats for steady digestion and blood sugar.

Gut Health Score

🌿 Fiber diversity
85
🍇 Polyphenol density
78
🧬 Diversity support
80
🛡️ Inflammation support
82
🫧 Fermentation support
0
⚖️ Blood sugar stability
79

Ingredients

Pasta, whole grain
2 cup
Pasta, whole grain
Cherry tomatoes
1 cup
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumber
1 piece
Cucumber
Bell Pepper
1 piece
Bell Pepper
Oil, olive
3 tablespoon
Oil, olive
Lemon juice
2 tablespoon
Lemon juice
Parsley
2 tablespoon
Parsley
Salt
1 teaspoon
Salt
Black pepper
0.5 teaspoon
Black pepper

Instructions

1

Cook the whole grain pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.

2

Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.

3

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and parsley.

4

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

5

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.

6

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days in meal prep portions.

Nutrition

420 kcal Calories
14 g Protein
58 g Carbohydrates
9 g Fiber
6 g Sugar
12 g Fat
2 g Saturated fat
0.9 g Salt

FAQ

Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
It uses whole-grain pasta, so it’s not gluten-free unless you swap in a gluten-free whole-grain pasta (e.g., rice- or corn-based).
How long will it keep in the fridge?
About 3–4 days in airtight containers; keep the dressing separate if possible and add it before serving to maintain texture.
What vegetables work best?
Colorful, fiber-rich vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, spinach, carrots, broccoli—any mix you enjoy.
How much fiber or gut-friendly benefits does it provide?
Whole grains and vegetables provide fiber and polyphenols that support digestion; the exact amount depends on your chosen ingredients.
Is it suitable for sensitive digestion or IBS?
It can fit in a balanced diet, but some people may need lower-FODMAP vegetables or smaller portions; check with a clinician if you have concerns.
How can I season it for flavor without harming gut health?
Use olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and a pinch of salt; avoid heavy dairy-based sauces.
Can I freeze this?
Not ideal for most vegetables; best kept in the fridge for 3–4 days; you can freeze cooked pasta separately and mix later, though texture may change.
Any food-safety tips?
Cook pasta to al dente, cool quickly, store at or below 4°C within 2 hours, reheat leftovers until steaming.
How does this fit into meal prep?
Prepare once and portion into containers for the week; keep the dressing separate if possible and add it just before eating for best texture.

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