Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
A refreshing and easy-to-make Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad, perfect for summer picnics and casual meals. This dish combines cooked pasta with crisp vegetables, tossed in a flavorful olive oil and Italian seasoning dressing for a light and satisfying salad.
- Author: Mick
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta
- 2 cups dry pasta (rotini or penne)
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Drain thoroughly.
- Prepare vegetables: While pasta cooks, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and black olives.
- Toss ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and chopped vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use any short pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or farfalle.
- For added flavor, include fresh basil or parsley.
- Optional: add some crumbled feta cheese or pepperoncini for extra taste.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: vegetarian pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, cold pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad