Enjoy a refreshing and wholesome meal with this vegetable pasta salad recipe. Packed with vibrant and nutritious vegetables, this salad is a perfect choice for a light lunch or a side dish. The combination of colorful veggies, pasta, and a flavorful dressing creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious vegetable pasta salad.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and cooled pasta.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese (if using) over the salad and gently toss again.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips:
- Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as zucchini, carrots, or broccoli, to enhance the variety and nutritional value of the salad.
- For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative.
- You can make the salad in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving.
Conclusion: This vegetable pasta salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that showcases the goodness of fresh vegetables. The combination of colorful veggies, pasta, and a tangy dressing creates a refreshing and satisfying salad. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a side dish, this vegetable pasta salad is sure to please your taste buds and nourish your body. Try this recipe and savor the flavors of this delicious and wholesome salad.
