Newks Pasta Salad is the perfect, healthy alternative to your standard pasta salad! It’s made with whole wheat pasta, gluten free noodles and quinoa tossed with a homemade creamy cilantro dressing.
Plus it has a little bit of crunch from celery and sunflower seeds. Gluten-free, vegan and low in fat this is the perfect side dish to any meal or light lunch. Read on to learn more about this wonderful dish!
What is Newks Pasta Salad?
Newks pasta salad is a light and flavorful side dish that is made with cold pasta, quinoa, celery, sunflower seeds and cilantro. It’s perfect for packed lunches or to bring to a your next picnic! And it’s gluten free!
The idea for this dish was born from memories of my childhood. Growing up I LOVED pasta salad (a classic kind made with mayo, mustard and noodles) but I never felt like I could eat it as a gluten-free kid.
How to make Newks Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 box whole wheat pasta (or quinoa pasta)
- 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup of celery, diced
- 2 TBSP of cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of quinoa (rinsed if needed)
Method:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Add 1 TBSP of olive oil and 1 tsp of salt and pepper (I used a gluten-free seasoning)
2. Once cooked, drain water and then rinse with cold water. This step helps stop the pasta from over cooking.
3. Transfer pasta to a large bowl, add sunflower seeds, celery and cilantro
4. While pasta is warm add quinoa for about 5 minutes or until it’s warmed up
5 . Add cilantro dressing
6. Mix ingredients well
7. Add more olive oil if desired
8. Refrigerate and enjoy!
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Nutrition facts of Newks Pasta Salad
Nutrition | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 534 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 51.5 g |
Protein | 15.3 g |
Fat | 19 |
The history of Newks Pasta Salad
The Newks company was founded in 1912 by Frank and Charles Newk (the name is believed to have been inspired by the family’s last name.)
Originally a farm equipment manufacturer, the Newks added produce to their products line in 1915 with the introduction of tomatoes.
The Newks produce department continued to grow and evolve over time and eventually they introduced pasta in 1937. The brand has since grown into a family-owned business.
Where to buy Newks Pasta Salad and online
You can purchase Newks Pasta Salad from the official website . The pasta salad is also carried at a huge variety of retail stores including Kroger, Walmart and Giant Eagle. You can also buy it online from Amazon.
Newks Kitchen
Newks Kitchen is a line of healthy frozen foods, sauces and dressings. You can find out more about this great product line here .
Which Newks Pasta Salad to try first?
I’ve tried many flavors of Newks pasta salad in the past, I love them all. My favorite are the vegetable tricolor and spinach fettuccini flavors.
The spinach fettuccini pasta salad is great because it has more vegetables and it has pistachios instead of sunflower seeds.
Newks Salad Dressing
I love the Newks Salad Dressing that comes in the side salad package. It tastes amazing and is so good for your health .
Newks Pasta Salad as a meal
If you don’t feel like eating pasta salad straight up, you can add grilled chicken, cooked shrimp or extra vegetables.
You could also make this dish a bit more filling by serving it with some grilled chicken or tofu on top. A great side dish to add to your next picnic or picnic meal!
How do you eat Newks Pasta Salad?
This dish can be served with a spoon or as a side dish by itself. I’ve also found that it’s wonderful with grilled chicken and tofu on top. Just like any pasta salad, it can be served alone or as a side with any meal.
Is it healthy?
Newks Pasta Salad is definitely a healthy option. It’s full of great and nutritious ingredients: quinoa, whole wheat pasta, sunflower seeds, celery and cilantro.
It’s full of protein and fiber, it is low in fat and it’s packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. One serving of Newks Pasta Salad contains less than 100 calories!
Where can I find Newks Pasta Salad?
Newks Pasta Salad is sold in grocery stores in the deli section for about $2.00 to $3.00 a box. You can also find it online . It’s also available at Amazon or at other on-line retailers .
What does this pasta salad taste like?
This pasta salad has a creamy cilantro dressing. It has a great combination of flavors: light, creamy, crunchy, nutty and tangy.
I absolutely love the cilantro dressing! I grew up eating pasta salad but thought that it was off limits to me when I became gluten-free.
Can I Freeze It?
Newks Pasta Salad can be frozen and it freezes well. To freeze, allow the pasta salad to cool on the counter, then transfer to a airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I add pasta salad dressing?
Yes! You can add 2 TBSP of extra light olive oil or tahini. Be aware that adding more dressing will make the pasta salad creamier.
The Newks Pasta Salad is already very creamy thanks to their cilantro dressing so adding more might be too much.
The Bottom Line
Newks Pasta Salad is light, healthy and delicious! It’s packed full of protein and fiber. It’s perfect for a packed lunch or as a side dish to any meal.
I love it because I feel like I’m eating cilantro pasta salad that I grew up eating, but gluten-free! I love this product so much, it puts a smile on my face every time that I eat it.