🥗 Fresh Vegetable Pasta Salad – Full Recipe

 

🥗 Fresh Vegetable Pasta Salad – Full Recipe

✨ Long Introduction

If you are searching for a refreshing, colorful, and nutritious dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare, this Fresh Vegetable Pasta Salad is the perfect choice. Packed with vibrant vegetables, tender pasta, and a light flavorful dressing, this salad is ideal for warm weather meals, picnics, potlucks, or quick family dinners.

Pasta salad is loved worldwide because it combines comfort food with healthy ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility — you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, add protein like chicken or tuna, or adjust the dressing to match your taste. The spiral rotini pasta used in this recipe is especially great because it holds the dressing perfectly, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

This vegetable pasta salad is not only delicious but also rich in vitamins, fiber, and nutrients. It is light enough to serve as a side dish yet filling enough to enjoy as a complete meal. Whether you are preparing food for guests or simply looking for a quick and healthy recipe, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

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📝 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 3 cups rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
• 1 cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped – red, yellow, or green)
• ½ cup cucumber (diced)
• ¼ cup black or green olives (optional)
• ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
• ¼ cup shredded carrots (optional)

For the Dressing:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking.
4. Let pasta cool completely.

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Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Lightly steam broccoli for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
2. Chop tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and onion.
3. Prepare all vegetables and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, honey, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until the dressing becomes smooth and well combined.

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Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta and vegetables.
2. Pour dressing over the salad.
3. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

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Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Toss again before serving to refresh flavors.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta salad:

• As a side dish with grilled chicken or fish
• As a light lunch meal
• At barbecues or gatherings
• With garlic bread or fresh bread rolls

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💡 Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

✔ Do not overcook the pasta to keep the texture perfect.
✔ Chill the salad before serving for better flavor.
✔ Add feta cheese, mozzarella, or parmesan for extra richness.
✔ You can add grilled chicken, tuna, or shrimp for protein.

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Enjoy this refreshing, colorful, and healthy pasta salad that is full of flavor and perfect for any occasion 🥗✨