Description
This Italian Pasta Salad Vegetarian is a vibrant, meat-free dish that combines al dente pasta with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- Rotini or penne pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Cucumbers
- Red onion
- Kalamata or green olives
- Feta cheese crumbles
- Fresh basil
- Fresh parsley
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Zucchini (optional)
- Asparagus (optional)
- Capers (optional)
- Tofu feta or nutritional yeast (for vegan option)
- Artichoke hearts (optional)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- Chickpeas (optional)
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop your vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the bell peppers, chop the cucumber, and finely slice the red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. If you like it tangier, add more vinegar.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated.
- Gently fold in the fresh basil and parsley. This step adds a burst of flavor that’s essential to Italian cuisine.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: This salad is perfect for meal prep and can be made a day in advance. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients, and for a vegan version, use vegan cheese or omit cheese altogether.