Pasta Salads

Vegetable Pasta Salad

Name: Vegetable Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta; 2 cups (250g) mixed vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers; 1/2 cup (120g) extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp (30g) red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp (15g) Dijon mustard; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 cloves (6g) garlic, minced; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley; 2 tbsp (30g) grated Parmesan cheese

By Marcus Vanover · June 19, 2026 · Pasta Salads

Prep20 min

Cook10 min

Total40 min

Serves4

There's something special about a pasta salad that's just right for any occasion. My Vegetable Pasta Salad is a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you. It's a dish that's full of flavor, color, and texture, and it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

I remember my grandmother making pasta salads for our family gatherings when I was a kid. She'd spend hours in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, cooking pasta, and whisking together the perfect vinaigrette. And the result was always the same: a delicious, satisfying salad that everyone loved.

Over the years, I've tweaked my grandmother's recipe to make it my own. I've added some new ingredients, like cherry tomatoes and cucumber, and I've played around with the vinaigrette to get it just right. But the core of the recipe remains the same: fresh vegetables, al dente pasta, and a tangy, herby dressing.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Italian-American cuisine. It's a classic dish that's easy to make and fun to eat. And the best part is that you can customize it to your taste. Don't like bell peppers? Leave them out. Want to add some protein? Toss in some cooked chicken or salmon.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal cooking skills
It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables and pasta
The vinaigrette is versatile and can be used as a dressing for other salads
This salad is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering
It's a healthy and flavorful option for a potluck or picnic
You can customize it to your taste by adding or subtracting ingredients

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great pasta salad is balance. You want a mix of textures, flavors, and colors that will keep you coming back for more. In this recipe, we've got crunchy vegetables, creamy vinaigrette, and al dente pasta, all working together in harmony.

Another important factor is the vinaigrette. A good vinaigrette should be tangy, but not too acidic. It should be herby, but not overpowering. And it should be creamy, but not too rich. In this recipe, we've achieved that balance with a combination of red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh herbs.

Finally, the pasta itself is crucial. We're using a classic Italian pasta shape, like bowtie or penne, which holds onto the vinaigrette beautifully. And we're cooking it al dente, so it still has a bit of bite to it. That way, the pasta doesn't get mushy or overcooked, and the salad stays fresh and appealing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the ingredients you'll need for this recipe. Make sure to choose fresh, high-quality vegetables and a good quality pasta. The vinaigrette ingredients are also important, as they'll add flavor and creaminess to the salad.

When shopping for ingredients, try to buy what's in season and available at your local market. This will ensure that your salad is fresh and flavorful, and that you're supporting local farmers and producers.

8 oz (225g) bowtie pastaChoose a high-quality pasta that will hold onto the vinaigrette well. Bowtie or penne work well for this recipe.
2 cups (250g) mixed vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppersUse a variety of colorful vegetables to add texture and flavor to the salad. You can also use other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or broccoli.
1/2 cup (120g) extra-virgin olive oilChoose a high-quality olive oil that is fresh and flavorful. This will add richness and depth to the vinaigrette.
2 tbsp (30g) red wine vinegarRed wine vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the vinaigrette. You can also use other types of vinegar, such as apple cider or balsamic.
1 tbsp (15g) Dijon mustardDijon mustard adds a creamy, slightly spicy flavor to the vinaigrette. You can also use other types of mustard, such as whole-grain or honey mustard.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoDried oregano adds a pungent, earthy flavor to the vinaigrette. You can also use fresh oregano or other herbs like basil or thyme.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and adds depth to the vinaigrette. Use a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a spicy, aromatic flavor to the vinaigrette. Use freshly ground pepper for the best flavor.
2 cloves (6g) garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the vinaigrette. You can also use other aromatics, such as onion or shallot.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the salad. You can also use other herbs, such as basil or dill.
2 tbsp (30g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the salad. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot with lidColander or strainerCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Vegetable Pasta Salad

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The water should be heavily salted, with about 1 tablespoon of salt per quart of water.
2
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until it's al dente, about 8-10 minutes. The pasta should still have a bit of bite to it.
3
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers. You can also use other vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots.
4
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This will make the vinaigrette for the salad.
5
Add the minced garlic to the vinaigrette and whisk until it's well combined. You can also use other aromatics, such as onion or shallot.
6
When the pasta is done cooking, drain it in a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help the pasta cool down and prevent it from becoming mushy.
7
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the vinaigrette and toss until the pasta is well coated. You can use a spoon or a pair of tongs to toss the pasta.
8
Add the chopped vegetables to the bowl and toss until they're well combined with the pasta and vinaigrette. You can use a spoon or a pair of tongs to toss the salad.
9
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss until it's well combined. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta.
10
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also make the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
11
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad and toss until it's well combined. You can also use other herbs, such as basil or dill.
12
Serve the salad chilled, garnished with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired. You can also serve the salad at room temperature, but it's best served chilled.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and good-quality pasta, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy and unappetizing. Cook it until it's al dente, then rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
You can customize the salad to your taste by adding or subtracting ingredients. Try adding some cooked chicken or salmon for extra protein, or using different types of cheese or herbs.
Make the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.
Use a good-quality vinaigrette to add flavor and creaminess to the salad. You can make your own vinaigrette using olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard, or use a store-bought variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and good-quality pasta, which can affect the flavor and texture of the salad.
Not letting the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving, which can prevent the flavors from melding together.
Not using a good-quality vinaigrette, which can affect the flavor and creaminess of the salad.
Adding too much dressing to the salad, which can make it soggy and unappetizing.
Not customizing the salad to your taste, which can make it boring and uninteresting.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some cooked chicken or salmon to the salad for extra protein.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, to add flavor and texture.
Add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or pumpkin seeds, to add crunch and flavor.
Use different types of herbs, such as basil or dill, to add flavor and freshness.
Add some diced fruit, such as apples or grapes, to add sweetness and flavor.
Use a different type of pasta, such as bowtie or penne, to add texture and interest.

What to Serve With Vegetable Pasta Salad

This salad is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. You can serve it as a main course or as a side dish, and it's also great for potlucks and picnics.

Try pairing the salad with some crusty bread and a glass of wine for a simple but satisfying meal. You can also add some grilled chicken or salmon to make it more substantial.

Serve with crusty bread and a glass of wineAdd some grilled chicken or salmon for extra proteinUse as a side dish for a barbecue or picnicMake ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

You can also freeze the salad for up to 2 months. Simply place the salad in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the salad overnight in the refrigerator and serve chilled.

To reheat the salad, simply place it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this salad?

A high-quality pasta that holds onto the vinaigrette well, such as bowtie or penne, is best for this salad.

Can I use different types of vegetables in this salad?

Yes, you can use different types of vegetables in this salad. Try using cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.

How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?

You can store this salad in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Can I freeze this salad?

Yes, you can freeze this salad for up to 2 months. Simply place the salad in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer.

How do I reheat this salad?

You can reheat this salad in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

What type of vinaigrette is best for this salad?

A good-quality vinaigrette that is tangy and slightly sweet, such as a vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard, is best for this salad.

Can I customize this salad to my taste?

Yes, you can customize this salad to your taste by adding or subtracting ingredients. Try adding some cooked chicken or salmon for extra protein, or using different types of cheese or herbs.

Is this salad healthy?

Yes, this salad is healthy. It's made with fresh vegetables, whole grains, and a good-quality vinaigrette, making it a nutritious and delicious option for a meal or snack.

The Full Recipe

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