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Fresh Vegetable Pasta Salad – Healthy & Simple Recipe

A colorful and wholesome pasta salad filled with crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and a touch of cheese. Perfect for a light dinner, picnic, or potluck.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:
  • 12 ounces pasta rotini, penne, or farfalle work best
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber chopped
  • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets lightly steamed or raw
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup black olives sliced
  • ½ cup feta cheese or mozzarella pearls
For the Dressing:
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
  • Grilled chicken shrimp, or chickpeas for protein
  • Fresh parsley basil, or dill for garnish
  • A sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water.
  2. Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth.
  4. Toss pasta, vegetables, olives, and cheese with dressing.
  5. Chill for 30 minutes before serving, garnish with herbs.