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.
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
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.
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!