Ah, the joys of summer! When the sun’s out and the days seem endless, my kitchen becomes a hub of vibrant colors and fresh flavors. This super easy summer vegetable pasta salad is like a mini-vacation on your plate—crunchy, zesty, and oh-so-refreshing.
I swear, it’s like capturing the season in a bowl. And remember that time I tried it with a sprinkle of feta? Absolute magic!
Steps
- Begin by preparing the vinaigrette. Whisk together ½ cup of olive oil, ? cup of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 minced garlic clove, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper. Set this dressing aside for later use.
- Cook 12 ounces of bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until tender. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly to cool it down. Allow it to drain thoroughly.
- As the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Chop two Roma tomatoes, one yellow squash, and one zucchini. Drain and slice one jar of roasted red peppers, and chop one broccoli crown into small florets.
- Slice half of a red onion and roughly chop ½ cup of parsley. Ensure all the vegetables are ready by the time the pasta is drained and cooled.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and all the chopped vegetables. Whisk the vinaigrette briefly and then pour it over the pasta and vegetables.
- Stir everything together until the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the dressing. Taste the salad and adjust with additional salt or pepper if necessary. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat, stirring before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 2 Roma tomatoes
- 1 yellow squash
- 1 zucchini
- 1 broccoli crown
- 1/2 red onion
- 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2640kcal | Carbohydrates: 336g | Protein: 72g | Fat: 120g | Sodium: 6848mg | Fiber: 40g
FAQ
- Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
- Yes, this Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad is ideal for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge, so you can prepare it in advance and have it ready for when you need it.
- What are some alternative vegetables I can use in this salad?
- You can customize the salad with various vegetables such as cauliflower, fresh bell pepper, black olives, asparagus (either steamed or grilled), chopped spinach, or artichokes.
- What additional ingredients can I add to enhance the salad?
- To add more flavor or make it a complete meal, consider incorporating grilled chicken, garlic butter shrimp, Parmesan cheese, toasted pita bread, feta cheese, salami, or mozzarella cubes.
- Can I use a different dressing if I don’t have the ingredients for the vinaigrette?
- Absolutely, if you prefer not to make the homemade vinaigrette or lack the ingredients, a store-bought Italian dressing will work well. Alternatively, you can try a Caesar (non-creamy) or Greek vinaigrette for a different flavor.
- Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
- Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for potlucks because it makes a large batch, pairs well with many dishes, and remains tasty even after sitting out for a while.
Tips
- Mix It Up with Vegetables: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables you use. While the recipe suggests broccoli, zucchini, and more, you can easily swap in cauliflower, bell peppers, or even asparagus to suit your taste or what’s available.
- Enhance with Proteins and Add-ins: To make the salad heartier or add more flavor, consider including grilled chicken, garlic butter shrimp, or cheese varieties like feta or mozzarella. These additions can transform the salad into a complete meal.
- Experiment with Dressings: If you prefer not to make the vinaigrette from scratch, a store-bought Italian dressing will work well. You might also try a Caesar or Greek vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.
- Prep for Potlucks: This pasta salad is perfect for gatherings as it travels well and remains tasty even after sitting out. For best results, give it a good stir before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- White Cutting Boards
- Liquid Measuring Cup
