Fresh Garden Veggie Pasta Salad: A Summer Delight!

Garden Pasta Salad 🥗

Overview:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: Chill Time (Approx. 1 hour)
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 8

Description:

This Garden Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and tender pasta—a perfect dish for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. 🌞 I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe in my trusty Pampered Chef book, and it has become a staple in my kitchen ever since! The best part? It’s not just delicious but also low in cholesterol, making it a healthy addition to your menu. Let’s dive into creating this colorful and flavorful salad!

Ingredients:

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 129.6
• Fat: 1.6g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.7g
• Cholesterol: 2.8mg
• Sodium: 56mg
• Carbohydrates: 23.5g
  • Fiber: 1.6g
  • Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 5.7g

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   Related Articles

   • 
     Creamy Microwave Custard Delight 🍮
   • 
     Lemon-infused Butter Pancake Rolls
   • 
     Savory Brunswick Chicken Stew
   • 
     White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Slice
   • Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions. 🍝
   • Once done, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and allow it to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables.
   • Cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.
   • Dice the tomato, zucchini, green pepper, and red onion into small, uniform pieces.
   • Grate the Parmesan cheese for a fresh, nutty flavor.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all the prepared vegetables.
   • Toss everything together gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.

4. Make the Dressing:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, dry mustard, and minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. 🥄

5. Toss and Chill:

   • Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables in the large bowl.
   • Gently toss everything together to ensure all the components are coated with the flavorful dressing.

6. Chill Before Serving:

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. ❄️

7. Serve and Enjoy! 🥂

   • Once chilled, give the salad a final toss before serving.
   • Garnish with a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
   • This Garden Pasta Salad is perfect as a standalone meal or as a refreshing side dish to accompany grilled meats or sandwiches. 🌿🍅

Recipe Notes:

• Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite vegetables or add-ins. 🥒
• For a heartier version, toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 🥣

Additional Tips:

• Make-Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
• Freshness: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, seasonal vegetables.
• Dressing Variation: If you prefer a creamier dressing, mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayo.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this vibrant and nutritious Garden Pasta Salad! 😋 Serve it up at your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time! 🎉