If you’re looking for a quick and healthy pasta salad recipe, this easy pasta salad with fresh veggies is the perfect option. It’s a delicious, light, and nutritious dish that combines ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and broccoli with a simple homemade dressing. Whether you’re meal prepping, planning a picnic, or just looking for a healthy lunch idea, this vibrant and versatile recipe takes only 20 minutes to prepare. With a balanced mix of vegetables, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, it’s sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies
Here’s why this healthy pasta salad recipe will be your new favorite:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables, vitamins, and fiber.
- Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge for a few days.
- Customizable: Add protein, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, for a heartier dish.
- Light & Refreshing: Perfect for warm days and a great side dish for BBQs, picnics, and more.
Ingredients for Easy Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies
Essential Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles – Substitute with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Adds a juicy, sweet flavor.
- 1 cucumber, diced – Provides a refreshing crunch.
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped – Adds a mild sharpness.
- 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched – High in fiber, perfect for a nutritious boost.
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced – For a Mediterranean touch.
- 1/4 cup olive oil – A heart-healthy fat that serves as the base for the dressing.
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar – Adds acidity to balance the richness of the olive oil.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – An essential herb for flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Enhances the flavor of the salad.
Substitutions & Variations:
- Gluten-free pasta: Use gluten-free spaghetti or quinoa pasta for a gluten-free alternative.
- Add-ins: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese for protein.
- Other vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra color and texture.
- Vegan-friendly: Omit cheese and ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a vegan version.
How to Make Easy Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies – Step by Step
Step1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Add salt to the boiling water to enhance the pasta’s flavor. After cooking, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps cool the pasta down quickly, so it doesn’t become mushy when combined with the fresh veggies.
Step2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the red onion, and blanch the broccoli florets by steaming or boiling them briefly. Blanching helps preserve the bright color and crunch of the broccoli. After blanching, transfer the broccoli to ice water to stop the cooking process. Slice the black olives and set all ingredients aside.
Step3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing will tie together all the flavors in the salad. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, and feel free to add a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Step4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the prepared vegetables and sliced olives. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Step5: Serve & Enjoy
You can serve this easy pasta salad immediately, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Easy Pasta Salad
- Make it ahead: Pasta salad tastes even better after it has had time to sit and absorb the dressing. Prepare it in advance for a hassle-free meal.
- Extra creamy: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the dressing for a creamier texture.
- Crunchy texture: For an extra crunch, add toasted nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas can turn this into a hearty meal.
Best Ways to Serve Easy Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies
This easy pasta salad is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other dishes. Try these pairing ideas:
- Grilled chicken for a high-protein, satisfying meal.
- A side of hummus with pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
- Pair with a light vinaigrette side salad for a colorful and nutritious meal.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our Juicy Korean Barbecue Meatballs – Easy Recipe or Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps – Easy & Delicious Meal for more healthy meal inspiration.
Nutritional Information for Easy Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies
- Calories: 215 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
This pasta salad is a low-calorie meal that is rich in fiber and healthy fats, making it a great choice for a balanced diet.
Storage & Leftovers for Easy Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies
How to Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This salad keeps well and actually tastes better as the flavors meld together.
Can I Freeze It?: Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the vegetables and pasta will change once thawed. Best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
How to Reheat: This salad is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, microwave it for 30-60 seconds, or leave it at room temperature for a while before serving.
FAQs for Easy Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies
Can I make pasta salad ahead of time? Yes, pasta salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. The flavors improve over time.
What can I substitute for red wine vinegar in pasta salad? You can use white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice for a tangy alternative.
How long will pasta salad last in the fridge? Pasta salad can last up to 3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.
Can I use other vegetables in pasta salad? Yes! Bell peppers, carrots, spinach, or zucchini work well in pasta salad.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this easy pasta salad, you might also like these healthy recipes:
- Easy Sausage Potato Frittata – Gluten-free breakfast casserole
- Creamy Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars Recipe | Easy Spring Dessert
Conclusion
Now you know how to make the best easy pasta salad with fresh veggies! This recipe is not only quick to make, but it’s also healthy, satisfying, and packed with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a side dish for your next BBQ, this pasta salad is sure to impress. Don’t forget to leave your comments and share the recipe with your friends!
Enjoy your healthy pasta salad and be sure to try it out today!
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Easy Homemade Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies
Description
If you’re looking for a quick and healthy pasta salad recipe, this easy pasta salad with fresh veggies is the perfect option. It’s a delicious, light, and nutritious dish that combines ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and broccoli with a simple homemade dressing. Whether you’re meal prepping, planning a picnic, or just looking for a healthy lunch idea, this vibrant and versatile recipe takes only 20 minutes to prepare. With a balanced mix of vegetables, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, it’s sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles – You can use gluten-free pasta if needed for dietary preferences.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – These add a burst of color and flavor to your pasta salad with vegetables.
- 1 cucumber, diced – For a crisp and refreshing crunch in the salad.
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped – Adds a hint of sharpness.
- 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched – Rich in fiber and vitamins, these are a must-have in your vegetarian pasta salad.
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced – They bring a slightly briny flavor to balance the dish.
- 1/4 cup olive oil – Healthy fats that help create a delicious dressing for your pasta salad.
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar – Adds tanginess to the salad dressing.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – For a Mediterranean flavor boost.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Enhances the overall flavor.
Substitutions & Variations:
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini.
- Add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Make it creamy: Add Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamy dressing.
Instructions
Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Add salt to the boiling water to enhance the pasta’s flavor. After cooking, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps cool the pasta down quickly, so it doesn’t become mushy when combined with the fresh veggies.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the red onion, and blanch the broccoli florets by steaming or boiling them briefly. Blanching helps preserve the bright color and crunch of the broccoli. After blanching, transfer the broccoli to ice water to stop the cooking process. Slice the black olives and set all ingredients aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing will tie together all the flavors in the salad. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, and feel free to add a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the prepared vegetables and sliced olives. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
You can serve this easy pasta salad immediately, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Equipment
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →Notes
- Make it ahead: Pasta salad tastes even better after it has had time to sit and absorb the dressing. Prepare it in advance for a hassle-free meal.
- Extra creamy: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the dressing for a creamier texture.
- Crunchy texture: For an extra crunch, add toasted nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas can turn this into a hearty meal.
