Summer Pasta Salad: Loaded Garden Veggie
A bright, quick-to-make pasta salad packed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, olives, feta (optional) tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.
This Summer Pasta Salad: Loaded Garden Veggie is the perfect dish to kick off your sunny gatherings. Bursting with colorful, fresh vegetables, it’s not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a delightful side for BBQs and picnics.
Summer Pasta Salad: Loaded Garden Veggie
- Unique blend of seasonal garden vegetables
- Quick and easy, perfect for weeknight dinners
- Vegan and gluten-free option available
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make
To prepare this vibrant Summer Pasta Salad, start by cooking your chosen pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and let it cool. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, olives, and parsley. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well-combined. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated. Lastly, fold in the feta cheese if using. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to two hours for the flavors to meld.
Tips
- Swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what’s in your fridge for ultimate versatility.
- For extra protein, add cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken.
Make-Ahead
This salad is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days for an easy grab-and-go meal.
Storing
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The textures may soften slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Freezing
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the fresh vegetables. Freezing can affect their texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy this salad cold, no reheating is necessary. If you prefer it warm, gently heat in the microwave for a quick minute, but be cautious not to overdo it.
Serving Suggestions
This Summer Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone light meal. It’s also great for potlucks or outdoor gatherings!
For kitchen essentials, check out this quality salad bowl to serve your delicious creation!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook pasta
Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and cool.
Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, olives, and parsley.
Make dressing
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Toss and serve
Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat. Fold in feta if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Notes
- Swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what’s in your fridge for ultimate versatility.
- For extra protein, add cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I customize the vegetables in this Summer Pasta Salad?
Absolutely. Swap in seasonal vegetables or what you have on hand.
Is this salad vegan or vegetarian?
The recipe as written includes feta cheese, but you can omit it to keep it vegan. The rest of the ingredients are vegetarian.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The vegetables may soften slightly.
What can I serve with this salad?
Pairs nicely with grilled chicken or fish, or as a side for potlucks and picnics.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Prepare the salad and dressing separately, then combine and chill just before serving for best texture.
