Vibrant Veggie Pasta Salad
This beautiful dish is a Vibrant Veggie Pasta Salad—a colorful healthy and refreshing option perfect for picnics potlucks or light meals. It combines spiral rotini pasta with a mix of fresh vegetables like broccoli cherry tomatoes bell peppers and herbs. The salad is typically tossed in a simple vinaigrette or Italian dressing making it both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
3 cups rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
1 cup broccoli florets (lightly blanched or raw for crunch)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved – mix red and yellow if available)
1/2 cup yellow bell pepper (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup green bell pepper (diced)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup red onion (optional thinly sliced)
1/3 cup Italian dressing or homemade vinaigrette
For Homemade Vinaigrette (optional):
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
– Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
– Drain rinse under cold water and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Veggies:
– Lightly blanch the broccoli for 1 minute in boiling water then transfer to cold water or use raw for extra crunch.
– Chop cherry tomatoes bell peppers and parsley.
Make the Dressing:
– In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil vinegar Dijon mustard garlic salt and pepper OR use your favorite store-bought Italian dressing.
Assemble the Salad:
– In a large mixing bowl combine cooked pasta broccoli cherry tomatoes bell peppers and parsley.
– Pour dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
Chill & Serve:
– Refrigerate for at least 15–30 minutes to let flavors blend.
– Serve cold or at room temperature.
Tips:
Rinse the Pasta:
– After cooking, rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
Make It Ahead:
– This salad gets even better after a few hours in the fridge. Perfect for meal prep or parties.
Balance the Dressing:
– Taste and adjust the dressing before adding. If too tangy, add a bit of honey or maple syrup.
Use Crunchy Veggies:
– Raw or lightly blanched broccoli, bell peppers, and even carrots add texture and freshness.
Toss Right Before Serving:
– If making ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Variations:
Add Protein:
– Include grilled chicken, chickpeas, tofu, or cooked shrimp for a complete meal.
Cheese Lovers:
– Add crumbled feta, cubed mozzarella, or shaved parmesan for creamy, salty bites.
Switch Up the Pasta:
– Try bowtie, penne, or whole wheat pasta. Gluten-free pasta works too.
Go Mediterranean:
– Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and a lemon-herb dressing.
Spice It Up:
– Add a pinch of red chili flakes, chopped jalapeño, or spicy Italian dressing for heat.
Questions and Answers
1. Can I make this pasta salad the day before?
– Yes it’s actually better when made ahead. Just store it in the fridge and give it a quick toss before serving. You can add a splash of extra dressing if it looks dry.
2. How long does it last in the fridge?
– It will keep well in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. It’s great for lunches or meal prep.
3. Can I serve it warm instead of cold?
– Definitely! It’s delicious at room temperature or slightly warm right after mixing. Just skip the chilling step.
4. Is it okay to use frozen vegetables?
– Yes frozen broccoli or peas work well. Just thaw and drain them first or blanch briefly in hot water.
5. What dressing works best?
– A light vinaigrette or Italian dressing works great. You can also try balsamic or lemon-herb for different flavors.
6. How do I keep the veggies crisp?
– Blanch firmer veggies like broccoli or green beans quickly and rinse with cold water. This keeps them crisp and vibrant.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings):
Calories: 280
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 180mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on pasta type and dressing used.
Conclusion
Veggie Pasta Salad is a colorful refreshing and easy dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re heading to a picnic prepping lunch for the week or just craving something light and flavorful this salad is a crowd-pleaser. Packed with crunchy vegetables and tossed in a simple tangy dressing it’s as nourishing as it is tasty. Plus it’s endlessly customizable—make it your own with added proteins cheeses or herbs.