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 youโre 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 appรฉtit!
