Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with this delectable Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad Recipe. Bursting with fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and a tangy dressing, this salad is a symphony of taste and a perfect accompaniment to any summer gathering or potluck.
Our vegetarian Italian pasta salad boasts a colorful array of ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds. From crisp bell peppers and juicy tomatoes to earthy artichokes and nutty olives, each component adds a unique layer of flavor to the salad. The dressing, made with a blend of vibrant herbs, tangy lemon juice, and a hint of sweetness, further elevates the salad’s taste, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Ingredients and Equipment
**Ingredients:**
- 1 pound (450g) short pasta, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli
- 1 cup (240ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup (120g) red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120g) yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120g) artichoke hearts, canned or jarred
- 1/2 cup (120g) pitted kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup (60g) red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh basil, chopped
**Dressing:**
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15g) dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon (15g) dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) black pepper
- 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
**Equipment:**
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
How To Make
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, bell peppers, artichoke hearts, olives, red onion, and basil
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
4. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Serve the vegetarian Italian pasta salad chilled or at room temperature.
6. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this delicious vegetarian Italian pasta salad!
Tips and Variations
To make a gluten-free vegetarian Italian pasta salad, use gluten-free pasta. You can also use your favorite vegetables in this salad. Some other great options include zucchini, broccoli, or cauliflower.
If you don’t have time to make the salad from scratch, you can buy pre-made vegetarian Italian pasta salad from most grocery stores. However, making it from scratch is always the best option as you can control the ingredients and the flavor.