Garden Veggie Pasta Salad
The perfect easy shortcut pasta salad! Loaded with veggies and parmesan and finished off with a zesty dressing. This is a classic, go-to summer side dish.
The perfect easy shortcut pasta salad! Loaded with veggies and parmesan and finished off with a zesty dressing. This is a classic, go-to summer side dish.
- 1 box tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 pint grape tomatoes (halved)
- 1 1/2 cups diced english cucumber
- 1 1/2 cups tiny chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
- 1 cup olives (sliced)
- 3/4 cup thinly sliced baby carrots
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 1/3 cups bottled italian salad dressing ((i prefer kraft w
- Carbohydrate 3.64067125375068 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.89737189231404 g
- Fiber 1.16095469608395 g
- Protein 0.631583316493562 g
- Saturated Fat 0.253525894815981 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (70g)
- Sodium 148.759775694924 mg
- Sugar 2.47971655766673 g
- Trans Fat 0.121883179846356 g
- Calories 31 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook pasta according to package instructions to al dente but do not season water with salt (the dressing has plenty).
- Drain and rinse until cold water.
- Pour pasta into a bowl, add tomatoes, broccoli, bell pepper, olives, cucumber, carrots, red onion and parmesan.
- Pour dressing over and toss to evenly coat.
- Cover and chill at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 day).
- Add a little more dressing if needed.
Garden Veggie Pasta Salad: My Go-To Summer Side Dish
As a busy mom, I'm always looking for quick and easy recipes that don't compromise on flavor. This Garden Veggie Pasta Salad fits the bill perfectly. It's a vibrant, refreshing dish that's perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple weeknight dinner. The best part? It's incredibly versatile. I often adapt it based on what's fresh and in season at my local farmer's market. Sometimes I'll add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal, other times I'll swap out the vegetables depending on our family's preferences. This recipe is a blank canvas for culinary creativity!
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no obscure ingredients – just fresh, vibrant vegetables tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a zesty Italian dressing. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and juicy tomatoes, alongside the slightly bitter red onion, creates a symphony of textures and tastes. And the parmesan cheese? Don't even get me started. It adds a salty, savory note that perfectly balances the sweetness of the vegetables. The creamy Italian dressing ties it all together, adding a touch of tanginess that elevates the entire dish.
I remember the first time I made this salad. It was a hot summer afternoon, and I needed a quick and easy side dish to bring to a neighborhood barbecue. I didn't have a lot of time, but I wanted to contribute something delicious and refreshing. This recipe came to the rescue. It was a huge hit, and I've been making it ever since. It's become a staple at our summer gatherings, and a go-to for those busy weeknights when I need a healthy and flavorful meal on the table quickly. The leftovers are just as good the next day, if not better, as the flavors have time to meld together.
Tips and Variations:
Make it a complete meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or white beans for extra protein.
Get creative with your veggies: Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes all work well.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
Make it ahead: This salad is even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld. Make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Customize the dressing: Use your favorite Italian dressing, or make your own from scratch. A simple vinaigrette with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs would be delicious.
This Garden Veggie Pasta Salad is more than just a recipe; it's a celebration of summer’s bounty. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, perfectly combined to create a dish that's both flavorful and satisfying. It's a dish that's easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. So next time you're looking for a refreshing and delicious side dish, give this Garden Veggie Pasta Salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
