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SUMMER VEGETABLE PASTA SALAD

Delicious Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad to Brighten Your Day

This summer vegetable pasta salad is a refreshing, healthy dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of summer.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 26 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Farfalle or rotini You can substitute with gluten-free pasta for a fantastic GF option.
For the Grilled Vegetables
  • 1 medium Zucchini Adds moisture and sweetness when grilled.
  • 1 medium Yellow squash Contributes a slightly nutty flavor.
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper Feel free to use any color bell pepper.
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes If out of season, use regular chopped tomatoes.
  • 1 medium Red onion Substitute with green onions for a milder taste.
  • 8 ounces Portabella mushrooms Other mushroom varieties can substitute well.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil Substitute with vegetable oil to avoid thickening when chilled.
  • 1/4 cup Canola or vegetable oil No substitutions recommended for texture.
  • 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Can be omitted if necessary.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Feel free to use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano Swap with Italian seasoning for a twist.
  • to taste Salt Kosher or sea salt works best.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.
  • 1 whole Lemon Zest and juice add freshness.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh basil Dried herbs can substitute in half amounts if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley Dried herbs can substitute in half amounts if fresh is unavailable.
For Serving
  • 1 cup Feta cheese Use vegan feta for a dairy-free option.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • spatula
  • whisk

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook farfalle or rotini pasta until al dente, around 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
  2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F). Allow it to heat for at least 10 minutes.
  3. Toss zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and portabella mushrooms in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Grill the seasoned vegetables for about 4-6 minutes per side until tender and charred. Remove from the grill and cool slightly before chopping.
  5. Combine canola oil, red wine vinegar, water, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped basil and parsley in a bowl. Whisk until well-emulsified.
  6. In the bowl with cooled pasta, add grilled vegetables and dressing. Gently toss to coat evenly.
  7. Sprinkle crumbled feta over the salad and gently fold it in. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  8. Once chilled, gently toss again before serving. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Best prepared a day in advance for enhanced flavor. This salad is perfect for shareable gatherings and offers a healthy option for all diets.

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