Pin it Pasta Salad with Seasonal Veggies & Simple Dressing is a vibrant and budget-friendly salad featuring tender pasta, crisp seasonal vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing. This dish is perfect for a light meal or picnic and designed to be adaptable to what's in season.
I first made this pasta salad for a weekend picnic and was amazed by how quickly it came together. Everyone loved choosing their own veggie combinations, making each bowl unique and delicious.
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Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g budget-friendly dried pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini), salt for cooking water
- Seasonal Vegetables: Approx. 500 g total (1 small zucchini diced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1 cup cucumber diced, 2 carrots grated or thinly sliced, 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced)
- Simple Dressing: 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice (or white wine vinegar), 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic minced, 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option), salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional Add-ins: 50 g feta cheese crumbled (omit for vegan), 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley basil or dill), 2 tbsp toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds
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Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- While the pasta cooks wash dice and slice vegetables as needed.
- Make Dressing:
- In a large bowl whisk together olive oil lemon juice Dijon mustard minced garlic honey salt and pepper until emulsified.
- Toss Ingredients:
- Add the cooled pasta and prepared vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add Optional Extras:
- Stir in feta fresh herbs or seeds if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve or Chill:
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor. Toss again before serving.
Pin it This pasta salad has become a staple at our family get-togethers. Our kids love helping to mix in their favorite veggies and it's always a hit on picnic days.
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Required Tools
Large pot, strainer or colander, large mixing bowl, whisk, cutting board and knife
Allergen Information
Contains wheat in pasta and dairy in feta (omit for dairy-free or vegan). Mustard and seeds may cause allergies in sensitive individuals. Always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 350, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 8 g per serving
Pin it 
This salad is a refreshing and colorful addition to any table. Enjoy it as a light meal or bring it to your next picnic!
