Farm Fresh Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipe

Indulge in the delightful simplicity of our Farm Fresh Vegetarian Pasta Salad, a vibrant and flavorful dish bursting with fresh ingredients and wholesome goodness. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, this salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next gathering or family dinner. Whether you’re a pasta lover or simply looking for a quick vegetarian recipe, this dish checks all the boxes. Pair it with roasted vegetable lasagna or enjoy it on its own for a refreshing treat.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to whip up this colorful and healthy pasta salad:

Ingredient	Quantity
Conchiglie Pasta (boiled)	2 cups
English Cucumber (diced)	1
Cherry Tomatoes (halved)	6-8
Red Onion (thinly sliced)	1
Basil Leaves (roughly torn)	A few sprigs
Purple Basil (torn)	A few sprigs
Salt and Pepper	To taste
Extra Virgin Olive Oil	1 tablespoon
Apple Cider Vinegar	2 tablespoons
Lemon Zest	Zest of 1 lemon
Lemon Juice	Juice of 1 lemon
Sugar	1 teaspoon (to taste)
Parsley Leaves (finely chopped)	A few sprigs
Garlic (minced)	5 cloves

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~210
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	30g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	4g
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	1g
Sodium	~180mg
Vitamin C	25% of RDI
Calcium	4% of RDI
Iron	8% of RDI

Prep Time and Cooking Time

Steps	Duration
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cooking Time	15 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Vinaigrette Dressing
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar.
- Add the finely chopped parsley and minced garlic.
- Whisk until well combined, and set aside for the flavors to meld together.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad mixing bowl, combine the boiled conchiglie pasta, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Add the basil leaves (both regular and purple) for a burst of herbal freshness.
Toss the Salad
- Pour the prepared vinaigrette dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Gently toss the salad, ensuring each ingredient is coated evenly with the dressing.
Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference.
Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plate.
- Garnish with additional parsley or basil if desired.
- Pair with Roasted Vegetable Lasagna with Ricotta for a perfect weekday dinner or enjoy it as a standalone dish.

Tips for Perfect Pasta Salad

Pasta Matters: Opt for conchiglie (shell) pasta as its unique shape holds the dressing and ingredients well.
Veggie Freshness: Always use farm-fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
Dressing Balance: Adjust the sugar in the vinaigrette to balance the tartness of the lemon and vinegar.
Customization: Add more veggies like bell peppers or substitute with your favorite herbs for a personal twist.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with:

Garlic Breadsticks for a simple side.
Creamy Tomato Soup for a hearty meal.
Grilled Vegetables to enhance its smoky flavors.

Celebrate the essence of farm-fresh produce and the zingy brightness of lemon with this easy-to-make pasta salad. Its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors will brighten up any table and satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. Bon appétit!