Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Easy Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies

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

Scale
  • 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

Step 1: 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.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: 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.

Step 4: 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.

Step 5: 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.

Equipment

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.

Find it online: https://fenrecipes.com/easy-pasta-salad-with-fresh-veggies-healthy-meal/