A fresh new take on your traditional pasta salad – my Low Carb Lemony Pasta is light and satisfying. It’s packed full of fresh flavors, and boasts 40 g of protein and 15 g fiber per serving.
I’m all about meals that work with your metabolism – not against it. And when the summer heat rolls in, I crave something light, fresh, and easy to prep ahead. This dish checks every box.
The Fab Four – Yes, Even a Pasta Dish!
Unlike most pasta salads, this one hits all the marks of the Fab Four, meaning it will cut cravings, balance blood sugar, and leave you feeling full for hours – rather than crashing, craving, and sluggish.
Let’s break down the individual components that work together to balance blood sugar:
- Protein → Roasted chicken is a clean, complete protein to help regulate appetite and muscle repair.
- Fat → Extra virgin olive oil is a true heart healthy fat that helps blunt glucose spikes, enhance nutrient absorption, and add richness.
- Fiber & Greens → Asparagus, Broccoli bring fiber, antioxidants, and prebiotic power. Blanching them keeps them vibrant and digestible.
Together, these four pillars work to optimize nutrition, elongate the blood sugar curve, and stave away the need for snacking.
Chef’s Kiss Pasta (and Why It’s My Go-To)
I’ve swapped out refined noodles for my favorite protein-packed pasta. Chef’s Kiss Protein Rotini (use code BEWELLBYKELLY) is high in fiber, lower in carbohydrates, and naturally ketogenic – it’s made from the lupini bean! One serving packs 12 g fiber and 12 g protein. The best part? It doesn’t taste like a “healthy” alternative at all.
The Functional Nutrition Angle
Traditional pasta salads are usually high in refined carbs, low in fiber, and heavy on processed oils – a recipe for blood sugar spikes, energy crashes, and post-meal sluggishness. This modern take flips the script. With high protein and fiber content (along with a lower carb pasta choice), it delivers on satiety and supports stable blood sugar – making it perfect for anyone looking to optimize blood sugar balance and protect metabolic health.
The Benefit of Veggies in Your Pasta Salad
Non-starchy veggies like broccoli and asparagus add volume and nutrients without excess carbs. This helps stretch the stomach, signalling for the release of satiety hormones. In this particular dish, the broccoli-asparagus combo helps:
- Avoid post-meal energy crashes
- Support gut health (prebiotic fiber!)
- Keep you full and satisfied for hours
Final Thoughts
This lemony pasta has been a huge hit with adults and kids alike – especially appropriate for easy meals during the summer heat. It’s a breeze to make, nutrient-dense, and totally customizable. A true modern – and upgraded – twist on your traditional pasta salad!
