Best Veggie Pasta Salad Recipe for Fresh Summer Meals

Pasta salads are a staple for any occasion—whether it’s a quick lunch, a picnic, or a potluck gathering. This best veggie pasta salad recipe is vibrant, fresh, and packed with crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. You can customize it with your favorite veggies and herbs, making it a perfect healthy option for vegetarians and anyone looking to add more greens to their diet.

With a combination of colorful bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and olives tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this salad is refreshing and satisfying. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover pasta, reducing food waste while keeping meals exciting and nutritious.

If you love hearty yet light meals, you’ll find this salad a go-to recipe. Don’t forget to check out some of my other delicious veggie-packed dishes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners for more inspiration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This veggie pasta salad is a triple threat: healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe comes together quickly with minimal fuss.

The fresh vegetables add crunch and color, while the perfectly cooked pasta provides a tender base that soaks up the flavorful dressing.

It’s also endlessly customizable. You can swap out ingredients based on what’s fresh or what you have on hand.

It’s perfect for meal prep since it stores well for several days and tastes even better chilled. This salad is a wonderful way to sneak more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing taste or texture.

Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a picnic, or a potluck, this pasta salad suits all tastes and dietary preferences.

Pair it with some crusty bread or a refreshing drink, and you have a complete meal ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice, fresh
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or vegan cheese

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander or strainer
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork for mixing dressing
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving bowl or airtight container for storage

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Drain and cool: Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
3. Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, wash and chop all vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, slice the olives, finely chop the red onion, shred the carrots, and chop the fresh herbs.
4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified and well combined.
5. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and herbs. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Add cheese (optional): If using, sprinkle crumbled feta or vegan cheese on top and lightly mix in.
7. Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch.”

Feel free to swap the pasta shape to whatever you prefer—bowtie, fusilli, or farfalle all work wonderfully. If you want to boost the protein content, add cooked chickpeas or white beans.

To make this salad vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

For a Mediterranean twist, include artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes.

For a creamier dressing, stir in a spoonful of tahini or vegan mayo to the vinaigrette. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like mint or oregano for different flavor profiles.

Want more veggie-packed recipes? Check out the Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or the Soy Free Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals for more ways to enjoy your greens.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This veggie pasta salad is perfect as a standalone light meal or as a side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or your favorite plant-based protein.

For a picnic or potluck, serve it alongside crusty garlic bread or pita chips. It also complements Mediterranean dishes well, so consider serving it with hummus or falafel for a complete spread.

If you’re looking for more hearty pasta options, try the Vegetable Lasagna Stouffer’s Recipe Made Easy and Delicious or the Shrimp and Veggie Pasta Recipe for a Quick Healthy Meal to mix up your pasta repertoire.

Conclusion

This best veggie pasta salad recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal rotation. It’s fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavors that highlight the natural sweetness and crunch of fresh vegetables.

The simple yet zesty dressing brings everything together, making each bite a delightful experience.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a summer gathering, this salad is sure to impress. Its versatility means you can adapt it to your taste and dietary needs, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different veggies and herbs to make it your own. And for more delicious and healthy recipes, explore options like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Enjoy your cooking journey!

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