Best 8 Garden Pasta Toss Recipes

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Indulge in a vibrant symphony of flavors with our delectable Garden Pasta Toss, a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of a flourishing garden. This delightful dish features an array of crisp vegetables, each contributing its unique texture and flavor to create a harmonious balance. Imagine tender zucchini, vibrant bell peppers, succulent tomatoes, and earthy mushrooms dancing together in a symphony of colors and tastes. Tossed with a zesty dressing made from fresh herbs, tangy lemon juice, and a hint of garlic, this pasta salad bursts with brightness and freshness. Served chilled or at room temperature, it's a refreshing and satisfying meal that's perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or light and healthy weeknight dinners. Discover variations of this versatile recipe, including a vegan version that swaps out the Parmesan cheese for a creamy cashew sauce, and a protein-packed option that adds grilled chicken or tofu for a hearty and satisfying meal. With its vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and irresistible flavors, the Garden Pasta Toss is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

GARDEN PASTA SALAD



Garden Pasta Salad image

This is the perfect name for this pasta salad because with all the fresh veggies it literally tastes like summer. There are so many textures and flavors going on. Ham adds a little heartiness while peas add a pop of sweetness. The two types of cheese pair perfectly with the light and tangy Italian dressing. If you're making this...

Provided by Laura Yoder

Categories     Pasta Salads

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 c frozen peas, thawed
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
2 green onions, sliced thin
1 c sliced celery
2 medium tomatoes, chopped and seeded
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 can(s) black olives, drained (3.8 oz)
16 oz corkscrew pasta, cooked and drained
1 c diced smoked ham
1 bottle Italian dressing (16 oz)
1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 - head iceberg lettuce, torn into small pieces

Steps:

  • 1. Cook and drain pasta. Add it to a large mixing bowl.
  • 2. Toss in peas, onions, green onions, and celery.
  • 3. Toss in green and red bell peppers, tomatoes, and black olives.
  • 4. Toss in ham.
  • 5. Toss in cheddar cheese.
  • 6. Toss in lettuce.
  • 7. Toss to coat mixture with the Italian dressing.
  • 8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

SUMMER GARDEN PASTA



Summer Garden Pasta image

Provided by Ina Garten

Time 4h20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
Good olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound dried angel hair pasta
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Steps:

  • Combine the cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup olive oil, garlic, basil leaves, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and the pepper in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature for about 4 hours.
  • Just before you're ready to serve, bring a large pot of water with a splash of olive oil and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil and add the pasta. Cook al dente according to the directions on the package (be careful - it only takes 2 to 3 minutes!). Drain the pasta well and add to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes. Add the cheese and some extra fresh basil leaves and toss well. Serve in big bowls with extra cheese on each serving.

GARDEN-FRESH PASTA TOSS



Garden-Fresh Pasta Toss image

Pasta mixed with fresh veggies like spinach, tomatoes and peppers, combined with chopped chicken, makes a great weeknight dinner idea.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 25m

Yield Makes 8 servings, about 2-1/2 cups each.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb. medium shell macaroni, uncooked
1-1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 env. GOOD SEASONS Italian Dressing Mix
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
1 bag (6 oz.) baby spinach leaves
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 medium yellow or orange peppers, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup KRAFT 100% Grated Three Cheese Blend

Steps:

  • Cook pasta as directed on package.
  • Meanwhile, sprinkle chicken with dressing mix; toss to coat. Heat 1 Tbsp. of the oil in large nonstick skillet. Add chicken; cook and stir 5 min. or until cooked through. Remove from heat; set aside until ready to use.
  • Drain pasta; place in large bowl. Add chicken and all remaining ingredients; mix lightly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 430, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Sodium 530 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 30 g

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS LEMON CHICKEN PASTA TOSS



Better Homes and Gardens Lemon Chicken Pasta Toss image

Make and share this Better Homes and Gardens Lemon Chicken Pasta Toss recipe from Food.com.

Provided by MissFit13

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups dried multigrain penne (6 ounces)
12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup finely chopped shallot
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons capers, drained
3 tablespoons snipped Italian parsley (flat-leaf)
freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Return pasta to hot saucepan; cover and keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, in a bowl toss together chicken and flour until chicken is lightly coated. In a large skillet cook and stir chicken in 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken from pan; set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining oil to skillet. Add shallot and garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute or until tender. Carefully stir in broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes or until reduced to about 2/3 cup. Stir in chicken, capers, and parsley; heat through.
  • Toss pasta with chicken mixture. If desired, serve with Parmesan cheese. Makes 4 servings.
  • Lemon Shrimp Pasta Toss: Prepare as directed except substitute 12 ounces peeled, deveined shrimp for chicken. Cook and stir in skillet for 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp are opaque.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 382.2, Fat 10.5, SaturatedFat 1.7, Cholesterol 54.4, Sodium 580.6, Carbohydrate 48.8, Fiber 6.3, Sugar 0.5, Protein 24

PESTO GARDEN PASTA FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY RECIPE BY TASTY



Pesto Garden Pasta For The Whole Family Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: fresh basil leaves, olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, almond butter, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, kosher salt, pepper, kosher salt, pasta, grape tomato, yellow cherry tomato, red onion, mozzarella ball

Provided by Greg Perez

Categories     Dinner

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups fresh basil leaves
½ cup olive oil
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, smashed
2 teaspoons lemon zest
kosher salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
kosher salt, to taste
4 cups pasta, short, such as farfalle or penne
1 cup grape tomato, halved
1 cup yellow cherry tomato, halved
¼ cup red onion, sliced
8 oz mozzarella ball, drained

Steps:

  • Add the basil, olive oil, Parmesan, almond butter, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth and set aside.
  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
  • Drain and transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl.
  • Add the grape tomatoes, yellow tomatoes, red onion, and mozzarella balls to the pasta.
  • Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta.
  • Toss the ingredients together.
  • Serve warm in a bowl.
  • Enjoy! Adapted from The Minimalist Kitchen by Melissa Coleman. Copyright © 2018 Oxmoor House. Reprinted with permission from Time Inc. Books, a division of Meredith Corporation. New York, NY. All rights reserved.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 744 calories, Carbohydrate 88 grams, Fat 31 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 26 grams, Sugar 6 grams

VEGETABLE GARDEN PASTA SALAD



Vegetable Garden Pasta Salad image

Fresh produce is showcased in this salad. My husband, Richard, is not too crazy about plain vegetables, so I came up with this colorful salad. He loves it, and so does our son.-Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/4 cup sliced carrots
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup sliced zucchini
1/2 cup ranch salad dressing
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the broccoli, carrots, peppers and zucchini. , Drain and rinse pasta in cold water; add to vegetables. Combine salad dressing and mustard; pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 239 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 414mg sodium, Carbohydrate 49g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SPRING GARDEN PASTA



Spring Garden Pasta image

Press flower petals and snipped herbs between sheets of this easy and excellent homemade pasta dough. Then toss with butter, Parm, and more herbs for a gorgeous pappardelle. Garnish with additional whole flowers and herbs. This Allrecipes Magazine recipe is based on Easy Homemade Pasta Dough by pho1962.

Provided by Allrecipes Magazine

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons water, or as needed
1 cup edible flower petals, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
¼ cup butter, melted
1 lemon, zested and juiced
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Beat flour, eggs, oil, and salt together in a bowl. Add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until a smooth and very thick dough forms.
  • Turn dough out onto a work surface and knead until very smooth, about 10 minutes. Cover; let dough rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Divide dough into 8 balls. Roll each into a thin sheet about 18 inches long using a pasta roller or a rolling pin. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flower petals, 1/4 tablespoon thyme, and 1/4 tablespoon dill on the lengthwise half of each sheet. Fold sheet in half over petals and herbs, then roll again into a thin sheet. Cut into long, 1-inch wide strips using a pizza cutter.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and boil until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain.
  • Toss with Parmesan cheese, butter, lemon zest, and juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 493 calories, Carbohydrate 51.7 g, Cholesterol 178.8 mg, Fat 25.6 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 15.6 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 910.9 mg, Sugar 0.6 g

GARDEN PASTA TOSS



Garden Pasta Toss image

Make and share this Garden Pasta Toss recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Amber Dawn

Categories     Vegetable

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 teaspoon olive oil
2 medium zucchini, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled
6 ounces capellini (angel hair pasta)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Add the zucchini, broccoli, and garlic; cook, stirring as needed, until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes, basil, oregano, and rosemary; cook, stirring as needed, until the tomatoes are softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and place pasta in a serving bowl. Add the vegetable mixture, cheese and the reserved pasta water; toss to combine.
  • Serve, sprinkled with pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 236.8, Fat 4, SaturatedFat 1.5, Cholesterol 5.5, Sodium 120.7, Carbohydrate 40.7, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 4.2, Protein 11

Tips:

  • Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest vegetables possible for the best flavor and texture.
  • Variety of Vegetables: Don't be afraid to use a variety of vegetables in your pasta toss. This will add color, flavor, and nutrients.
  • Cook Vegetables Properly: Cook the vegetables until they are tender but still have a bit of a bite to them. Overcooked vegetables will be mushy and bland.
  • Use High-Quality Pasta: Use a high-quality pasta that will hold its shape and not become mushy when cooked.
  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will help it hold its shape and prevent it from becoming overcooked.
  • Use a flavorful Dressing: Use a flavorful dressing to coat the pasta and vegetables. This could be a simple vinaigrette, a pesto sauce, or a creamy sauce.
  • Add Herbs and Spices: Add herbs and spices to taste. This will help to enhance the flavor of the pasta toss.
  • Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta toss immediately after it is made. This will prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.

Conclusion:

A garden pasta toss is a delicious and healthy way to use fresh vegetables from your garden. With a variety of vegetables, a flavorful dressing, and some fresh herbs, you can create a pasta toss that is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you have a bountiful harvest from your garden, be sure to try out one of these garden pasta toss recipes. You won't be disappointed!

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