Best 5 Chunky Veggie Pasta Salad Recipes

In the realm of summery delights, where vibrant flavors dance with fresh ingredients, behold the Chunky Veggie Pasta Salad, a culinary symphony that delights the senses and nourishes the soul. This delectable dish is a symphony of colorful vegetables, tender pasta, and a tangy dressing that harmonizes each bite. Dive into the crisp crunch of bell peppers, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the earthy depth of mushrooms, and the subtle bite of red onion, all mingling harmoniously with succulent broccoli florets and tender zucchini ribbons. Plump black olives add a briny touch, while fresh basil infuses every spoonful with its aromatic allure. Tossed with a vibrant dressing crafted from olive oil, lemon juice, zesty Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey, this salad strikes a perfect balance between tangy and refreshing. Served chilled, the Chunky Veggie Pasta Salad transports you to a Mediterranean oasis, where flavors mingle and memories are made. Whether you seek a vibrant side dish for your next barbecue, a light and satisfying lunch option, or a delightful addition to your picnic spread, this culinary masterpiece is guaranteed to impress.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

BEST POTLUCK PASTA SALAD

Best Potluck Pasta Salad image

Homemade pasta salad that's perfect for any potluck or backyard bbq!

Provided by The Chunky Chef

Categories Side Dish

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 box uncooked short-cut pasta (I used farfalle (but rotini or penne work as well), 16oz)
2/3 cup sliced red onions
1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes (halved (regular cherry or grape tomatoes work as well))
1 cup diced cucumbers
1/4 cup pickled capers (jarred)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 1/2 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
2 1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp fresh minced oregano
2 tsp fresh minced parsley
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Steps:

Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil over HIGH heat. Salt the water with about a tablespoon of salt. Add pasta and cook until just al dente (according to package instructions).
Drain pasta and toss with a light drizzle of olive oil. Set aside to cool slightly.
While pasta is cooling, chop tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Set aside in a large mixing bowl and add capers to the bowl.
Add dressing ingredients, except for olive oil, to a bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly pour in the olive oil, and continue whisking until completely combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
Add the cooked pasta and crumbled feta cheese to the large bowl with the vegetables. Pour dressing over the top and toss to combine.
Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, up to 2 days.
Serve cold or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 263 kcal, Carbohydrate 7 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 24 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 16 mg, Sodium 377 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

VEGGIE PASTA SALAD

Veggie Pasta Salad image

Melissa Marsh of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania shares this colorful pasta salad with fresh veggies in a pleasant balsamic vinegar dressing. Fix a batch ahead of time for sensational meatless meals all week.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 35m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
3 small tomatoes, chopped
1 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 cup each chopped celery, sweet red pepper, zucchini and carrots
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the vegetables, vinegar, basil, oil, sugar, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper. , Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into vegetable mixture. Add Parmesan cheese and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 108 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 352mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe image

This is one satisfying and flavor-packed cold pasta salad with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, rustic old-world salami, tangy olives, and mozzarella. A zesty Italian dressing brings it all together.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories Salad

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

¾ lb pasta, ((I recommend fusilli or rotini pasta) )
Kosher salt
1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 bell pepper (any color, cored and chopped)
1 shallot (chopped)
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts (6 ounces)
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
6 pepperoncini, (chopped)
6 to 8 ounces salami, (sliced into bite size pieces )
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, (torn (or mozzarella cheese balls))
½ cup packed chopped fresh parsley
½ cup packed chopped fresh basil leaves
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and black pepper

Steps:

Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until the pasta is cooked to al dante (don't forget to salt your water). Drain
In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the tomatoes, chopped veggies, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the dressing ingredients together.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.1 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Cholesterol 26.9 mg, Sodium 748.4 mg, Fiber 2.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

PASTA VEGETABLE SALAD

Pasta Vegetable Salad image

It only takes minutes to cook the tricolor pasta, but to really beat the clock, chop the vegetables ahead of time. I sometimes give the salad southwestern flair by adding black beans, frozen corn and salsa. The I top it off with a tomato-based dressing that I've spiced up with taco seasoning.-Helen Turner, Upland, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
1/2 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup cauliflowerets
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup sliced carrot
1/4 cup chopped tomato
1/4 to 1/3 cup ranch salad dressing

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Place in a large bowl; add vegetables. Drizzle with salad dressing; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 208 calories, Fat 9g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 146mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

CHUNKY VEGETABLE SPAGHETTI

Chunky Vegetable Spaghetti image

You can have a veggie-packed, homemade spaghetti dinner on your table in just 15 minutes.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 package (16 oz) spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (2 cups)
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced (1 cup)
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium onion, diced (1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, seeded, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 jar (7 oz) roasted red peppers, drained, coarsely chopped
2 cups any variety tomato pasta sauce or Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce*
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh or 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
Shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired

Steps:

Cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package.
Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, onions and garlic; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Stir in remaining ingredients except basil and cheese. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot. Stir in basil. Serve sauce over spaghetti. Sprinkle with cheese. Makes about 5 1/2 cups sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 470, Carbohydrate 84 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 8 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 560 mg, Sugar 12 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

Use fresh, seasonal vegetables. This will ensure that your salad is packed with flavor and nutrients.
Choose a variety of vegetables. This will give your salad a colorful and appealing look, and it will also provide you with a variety of nutrients.
Cut the vegetables into small pieces. This will make them easier to eat and will help the flavors to blend together.
Use a flavorful dressing. The dressing is what will really bring your salad to life. Choose a dressing that complements the flavors of the vegetables.
Let the salad marinate for a while before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop.

Conclusion:

Chunky veggie pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck. It is also a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be a chunky veggie pasta salad recipe that everyone will enjoy.