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Veggie Pasta Salad

Vibrant Veggie Pasta Salad for Easy Weeknight Meals

This Healthy Veggie Pasta Salad is a quick, colorful dish packed with fresh vegetables, making it perfect for effortless weeknight meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces pasta (farfalle, rotini, or penne) Whole wheat or chickpea pasta can increase fiber content.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium zucchini Sauté slightly undercooked for firmness.
  • 2 cups broccoli florets Cauliflower can serve as a good substitute.
  • 1 cup bell peppers Feel free to use any fresh peppers.
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes Add just before serving to prevent them from becoming mealy.
  • 2 cloves garlic Adjust quantity to suit your taste.
  • 1/2 medium red onion Can switch to green onions for a milder flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil Any light vegetable oil works as a substitution.
  • 1/4 cup vinaigrette Select one that aligns with your dietary preferences.
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese Swap for nutritional yeast to cater to vegan diets.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add zucchini and broccoli florets; sauté for about 3 minutes. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  3. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary, then toss in bell peppers, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are colorful and crunchy.
  4. Add red onion and sauté for an additional minute until translucent but still crisp. Let the sautéed mixture cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl with the chilled pasta, gently mix in the sautéed vegetables. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss until everything is coated.
  6. Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container for storage. Let the flavors meld for at least two hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 7gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, add fresh ingredients like tomatoes just before serving to maintain their flavor and texture.

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