Refreshing Italian Veggie Pasta Salad

Recipe Collection: Salads

Refreshing Italian Veggie Pasta Salad elevates your meal with a vibrant vegetarian dish that bursts with fresh flavors and textures. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner, this gluten-containing salad features colorful vegetables and a homemade Italian dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

Ideal for those following a vegetarian diet, this Italian-inspired salad is versatile enough to serve as a main course or a side dish. Enjoy it chilled, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks.

Overview

This Zesty Italian Veggie Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a flavorful homemade Italian dressing, this salad is a delightful blend of textures and tastes. It's a healthy, colorful, and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side.

Diet Type

Vegetarian

Allergies

Gluten (from pasta)

Cuisine

Italian

Serving Size: 8

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 10 Ounces (oz) fusilli pasta
• 2 Whole tomatoes, minced
• 1 Whole onion, minced
• 1 Whole green bell pepper, minced
• 1 Cup mushrooms, minced
• 0.75 Cup Italian-style dressing (preferably homemade)
• 0.5 Teaspoon (tsp) kosher salt
• 1 Pinch freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 0.25 Cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 0.25 Cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked fusilli pasta, minced tomatoes, onion, green bell pepper, and mushrooms.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Italian-style dressing, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing gently to ensure everything is well coated.
5. Add the torn basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese to the salad, and toss again to combine.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing flavors of this Italian-inspired dish.

Enjoy your homemade Refreshing Italian Veggie Pasta Salad!