10 Delicious Pasta Salads with Fresh Veggies

Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

This refreshing Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is packed with vibrant flavors and a medley of fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well combined.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Roasted Vegetable and Pesto Pasta Salad

This vibrant pasta salad is filled with roasted vegetables and coated in a zingy pesto sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fusilli pasta
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 20 minutes.
3. Cook the fusilli pasta, drain, and let it cool.
4. In a large bowl, combine roasted vegetables, pasta, and pesto.
5. Mix well and serve chilled.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Inspired by the traditional Caprese salad, this dish brings together fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with pasta.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook the rotini pasta, drain, and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss lightly and refrigerate before serving.

Southwestern Black Bean Pasta Salad

This zesty pasta salad is a colorful mix of black beans, corn, and avocados with a lime vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups penne pasta
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook the penne pasta, drain, and let it cool.
2. Mix lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, and salt to make the dressing.
3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, black beans, corn, avocado, and red onion.
4. Pour the dressing over, toss well, and chill before serving.

Asian Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing

Bringing Asian flavors to the table, this salad features soba noodles and a fragrant sesame dressing.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz soba noodles
• 1 cup edamame, shelled
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Cooking method:

1. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions, drain, and rinse under cold water.
2. Mix sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger for the dressing.
3. In a large bowl, toss noodles with edamame, bell pepper, carrots, and cilantro.
4. Drizzle with sesame dressing and mix well before serving.

Greek Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This Greek-inspired pasta salad is full of bright flavors thanks to a tangy lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups penne pasta
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook the penne pasta, drain, and let it cool.
2. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper for the vinaigrette.
3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss well before serving.

Spinach and Strawberry Pasta Salad

A delightful blend of sweet and savory, this salad combines strawberries and spinach with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups bowtie pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

Cooking method:

1. Cook the bowtie pasta, drain, and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, spinach, strawberries, walnuts, and feta.
3. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Packed with flavors, this antipasto pasta salad features cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rotini pasta
• 1/2 cup salami, sliced
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
• 3 tablespoons Italian dressing

Cooking method:

1. Cook the rotini pasta, drain, and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix pasta with salami, mozzarella, artichokes, olives, and peppers.
3. Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss well.
4. Chill before serving to enhance flavors.

Avocado Lime Pasta Salad

Creamy and refreshing, this avocado lime pasta salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups macaroni
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook the macaroni, drain, and let it cool.
2. In a small bowl, mix lime juice and olive oil for the dressing.
3. In a large bowl, combine macaroni, avocados, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
4. Pour dressing over the pasta salad, toss gently, and chill before serving.