This is my favorite recipe:
Veggie Pasta Salad
8 oz. uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
3 sm. tomatoes, chopped
1 c. thinly sliced green onions
1 c. each chopped celery, sweet red pepper, zucchini and carrots
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp. minced fresh basil or 2 tsp. dried basil
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. minced fresh oregano or 1 tsp. dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the vegetables, vinegar, basil, oil, sugar, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into vegetable mixture. Add parmesan cheese; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hrs. before serving.

1 c=2 pts.
Makes 10-1 cup servings. Let me know what you think... and I promise it tastes better than it sounds!!

I would recommend whole wheat pasta, tons of veggies (my faves in pasta salad are peppers, cucumber, celery, mushroom, and carrots). Just go very light on the dressing. I have found that people tend to put way too much in it and it just tastes oily. So put just enough in it to coat it, maybe let it sit overnight so that the flavor sinks in, and have a bottle on the table so that if someone wants more, than they can add it themselves and you don't have to have the extra. I use low fat, low cal Italian dressing on mine. Great....now I want some pasta salad! Enjoy your bbq!!!

When I make pasta salad I like to make my own pesto dressing to go on it. Just take 1/4 c. of olive oil, 2 cloves garlic and a package of fresh basil and put it in a food chopper. add salt and pepper to taste. walnuts or pinenuts can also be added (as much as you'd like depending on the consistency you want, but i generally do about 3 tbsp.

Wish i had an idea for you but i have to avoud the pasta salad at all costs. Its like my biggest problem i just love it!!! I would say though maybe chicken and just use lite ingredients if you use a salad dressing in it or miricale whip. lots of veggies like onions,carrots,celery and maybe some frozen peas. Good luck!!

Yes Mike....chicken! I forgot about the chicken. Even if you don't add the meat though, just make sure you have more veggies in it than pasta and you'll be just fine!

Hey girl, why don't you make a asian coleslaw, lots of recipies on line and cabbage is basically calorie free!!!

Thanks everyone, everything sounds really tasty and healthy!