Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad
Servings: 8
Total Time: 50 minutes (Prep: 30 minutes, Cook: 20 minutes)
Calories per serving: 185.7
Recipe Category: Vegetable
Keywords: < 60 mins, Grilled Vegetables, Pasta Salad, Healthy, Summer Salad, Light Meal
Description:
If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant salad perfect for summer gatherings or a quick light meal, this Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad is a must-try. The smoky flavors of grilled zucchini, eggplant, red bell peppers, asparagus, cucumber, artichokes, and cherry tomatoes come together beautifully with tender bow tie pasta and a tangy herb vinaigrette. Whether served as a side dish or as a complete meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready in just under an hour, it’s the perfect addition to your recipe collection for quick, flavorful meals.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Zucchini | 3 (medium) |
| Eggplant | 3 (medium) |
| Red bell peppers | 1 (large) |
| Asparagus | 2 bunches |
| Cucumber | 1 (medium) |
| Artichokes (marinated or canned) | 1 can (8 oz) |
| Cherry tomatoes | 2 cups |
| Bow tie pasta (farfalle) | 8 oz |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Herb vinaigrette | 1/2 cup (optional, or to taste) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 23.9 mg |
| Sodium | 29.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 36.8 g |
| Fiber | 7.6 g |
| Sugars | 9.2 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set it aside to cool.
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Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the zucchini, eggplant, and red bell pepper into manageable pieces for grilling. Trim the ends of the asparagus and cut the cucumber into thin rounds. If using marinated artichokes, drain them well, then chop them into smaller pieces.
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Season the Vegetables: In a small bowl, toss the zucchini, eggplant, red bell peppers, asparagus, and cucumber with a drizzle of olive oil. Add salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring the vegetables are lightly coated.
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Grill the Vegetables: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the vegetables for about 5–7 minutes on each side, or until they are tender with nice grill marks. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
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Cool and Chop: After grilling, remove the vegetables from the grill and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
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Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and artichokes. Drizzle the herb vinaigrette over the mixture, tossing gently to coat all ingredients.
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Chill Before Serving: To allow the flavors to meld together, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Make it Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and let the flavors develop overnight.
- Herb Vinaigrette: You can use store-bought herb vinaigrette, but homemade vinaigrette adds a fresh touch. For a quick homemade version, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, fresh herbs like basil and oregano, and a pinch of salt.
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to the salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad is a healthy, colorful, and filling dish that highlights the fresh flavors of summer produce. The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while the vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy kick. It’s a great option for barbecues, picnics, or a light dinner, and it’s flexible enough to adapt to whatever veggies you have on hand.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers impressive results every time. It’s the perfect salad to bring to a potluck, enjoy at a family dinner, or serve as a weeknight meal.
Enjoy this Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad, and let it become your go-to recipe for effortless, healthy meals that everyone will love!
