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Easy Vegetable Pasta Salad – Fresh Vegan & Vegetarian Summer Side Dish

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Vegetable Pasta Salad is a vibrant, nutritious, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm-weather meals, potlucks, picnics, or simply a quick, light lunch. This healthy pasta salad combines a variety of colorful vegetables with pasta, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the crunchiness of fresh veggies with the heartiness of pasta, making it a filling and satisfying meal without being too heavy.

Whether you’re looking for a vegan dish, a side for your summer barbecue, or a dish to take to a party, this Vegetable Pasta Salad will be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation steps, and serving suggestions for this healthy and delicious recipe.

Recipe Preparation Equipment

Before you begin, gather these essential items to prepare the Vegetable Pasta Salad:

  • A large pot for boiling pasta
  • A colander for draining the pasta
  • A cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
  • A large mixing bowl to combine the salad
  • A whisk or fork for mixing the dressing
  • Measuring spoons for precise ingredients

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Vegetable Pasta Salad:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (fusilli, penne, rotini, or your favorite type)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (or fresh if available)
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed herbs (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

How to Make Easy Vegetable Pasta Salad?

Step 1: Boil the pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside to drain completely.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and chop the bell peppers and red onion. If you’re using frozen peas, thaw them by rinsing with cold water. Set all the vegetables aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Make the dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and optional oregano and garlic powder. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The dressing should be tangy and flavorful, complementing the freshness of the veggies.

Step 4: Combine the pasta and vegetables

Once the pasta is cooled, add it to the large mixing bowl with the chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Transfer the Vegetable Pasta Salad to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Variations

  • Add protein: To make the salad heartier, add chickpeas, tofu, or grilled chicken for extra protein.
  • Add cheese: For a non-vegan option, add some crumbled feta cheese, mozzarella balls, or shredded Parmesan.
  • Spicy kick: Add a bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
  • Herbs: Try adding fresh basil, cilantro, or dill for a fragrant and aromatic touch.
  • Roasted vegetables: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or carrots for extra flavor.

Cooking Note

Vegetable Pasta Salad is a versatile dish, and you can adjust the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. The dressing can be made ahead of time, and the salad can be refrigerated until ready to serve. This dish is perfect for meal prepping, as it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Serving Suggestions

This Vegetable Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with:

  • Grilled veggie skewers or plant-based burgers
  • A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Roasted or baked potatoes
  • Vegan wraps or sandwiches
  • Grilled tofu or chickpea patties

Helpful Tips

  • Use your favorite pasta: Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions for the gluten-free variety.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, so it doesn’t become mushy in the salad. Rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking process.
  • Make it ahead: Vegetable Pasta Salad can be made ahead of time. Just refrigerate it for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together. It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a while.
  • Customize the vegetables: You can swap or add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, carrots, or even avocado for variety.

Tips for the Best Vegetable Pasta Salad

  • For a more flavorful dressing, try adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor.
  • Adjust the vinegar and mustard amounts for the dressing to suit your taste – you can make it more tangy or milder depending on your preference.
  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

10 minutes

Total Time:

20 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 6g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 6g

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like! Whole wheat, gluten-free, or spiral-shaped pasta work great in this salad.

2. How long can I store Vegetable Pasta Salad?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. If it becomes a little dry, simply add more dressing or a drizzle of olive oil.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad actually tastes better when made ahead of time. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Conclusion

Vegetable Pasta Salad is a colorful, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make, full of fresh vegetables, and tossed in a tangy dressing that brings everything together. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for your barbecue, or a picnic treat, this pasta salad has you covered. Enjoy it as is or customize it to your taste, and let it be a part of your next meal!

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