Best 2 Creamy Vegetable Pasta Salad Recipes

Welcome to a culinary journey where flavors dance and textures harmonize. Creamy Vegetable Pasta Salad beckons you with its delightful medley of vibrant vegetables, tender pasta, and a luscious creamy dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. This versatile dish can be tailored to your preferences, making it a perfect canvas for your creativity.

With three tempting variations, this recipe offers a trio of flavor sensations. The Classic Creamy Vegetable Pasta Salad is a symphony of crisp vegetables, including crunchy bell peppers, sweet carrots, and refreshing celery, all tossed in a velvety smooth dressing. The Pesto Creamy Vegetable Pasta Salad adds a vibrant twist with its aromatic pesto sauce, creating a burst of herbal freshness. And for a touch of Mediterranean flair, the Sun-Dried Tomato Creamy Vegetable Pasta Salad incorporates the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, adding a delightful depth of flavor.

Each variation is a culinary masterpiece, offering a unique blend of textures and flavors. Whether you prefer the classic simplicity of the original, the vibrant zest of the pesto version, or the sun-kissed allure of the sun-dried tomato rendition, this recipe has something for every palate.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CREAMY ROASTED VEGETABLE PASTA SALAD

Creamy Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad image

A highly flavourful, tangy pasta salad that is incredibly simple, yet decidedly elegant. Perfect for a summer lunch or as an elegant side dish.

Provided by Dusty

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
½ cup diced yellow bell pepper
½ cup chopped fresh mushrooms
½ cup chopped white onion
1 (8 ounce) package dry penne pasta
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Preheat the oven broiler.
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, mushrooms, and onion on a baking sheet. Pour the oil and vinegar mixture over the vegetables.
Broil the vegetables 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly scorched. Remove from heat, and cool.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water to cool.
In a large bowl, toss the vegetables, pasta, and mayonnaise. Top with Parmesan cheese to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 346.6 calories, Carbohydrate 48.9 g, Cholesterol 2.2 mg, Fat 12.3 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 10.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 73.6 mg, Sugar 2.9 g

CREAMY VEGETABLE PASTA SALAD

Creamy Vegetable Pasta Salad image

It's always fun to incorporate the vegetables we grow in our garden into different dishes. This salad not only gives me the opportunity to use our vegetables, it looks and tastes great.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets
4 cups cooked spiral pasta
2 medium carrots, julienned
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1/2 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1/3 cup sliced green onions
DRESSING:
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Place 1 in. of water in a small saucepan; add broccoli. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes; rinse in cold water and drain. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, pasta, carrots, peas, ham, cheese and onions., In another bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 252 calories, Fat 17g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 276mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

Tips:

Use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables provide the best flavor and texture to your pasta salad. Choose vegetables that are in season and at their peak ripeness.
Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente pasta is slightly firm to the bite and will hold its shape well in the salad.
Cool the pasta before adding it to the salad: This will prevent the pasta from overcooking and becoming mushy.
Use a creamy dressing: A creamy dressing will help to bind the salad together and add richness. You can use a store-bought dressing or make your own using mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt.
Add some protein: Protein will help to make the salad more filling and satisfying. You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad.
Garnish the salad with fresh herbs: Fresh herbs will add a pop of color and flavor to the salad. Some good options include basil, parsley, or chives.

Conclusion:

Creamy vegetable pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make the best creamy vegetable pasta salad that will be a hit at your next potluck or barbecue.