Garden Veggie Spaghetti Pasta Salad

 Description

This Garden Veggie Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a fresh, colorful, and flavorful dish loaded with crisp garden vegetables, tender spaghetti, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, meal prep, or light lunches, this pasta salad combines vibrant vegetables with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

 Ingredients

🍝 Pasta Salad

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti, broken into thirds
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped small
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

🥣 Zesty Dressing

• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
• Drain and rinse under cold water.
• Allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

• Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
• Place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

• Add cooled spaghetti to the bowl with the vegetables.
• Pour dressing over the salad.
• Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve

• Toss again before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.

 Servings

8 servings

 Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

 Health Benefits

🥕 Rich in Vegetables

Provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh garden vegetables.

🌾 Good Source of Energy

Spaghetti supplies complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

❤️ Heart-Healthy Ingredients

Olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats.

🌿 High in Fiber

Vegetables help support healthy digestion and promote fullness.

🍱 Great for Meal Prep

Tastes even better after chilling, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.

 Recipe Notes

• Breaking the spaghetti into shorter pieces makes the salad easier to serve and eat.
• Fresh vegetables provide the best texture and flavor.
• The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance.
• Add extra dressing before serving if the pasta absorbs too much while chilling.

 Helpful Tips

• Add crumbled feta or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for additional protein.
• Use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber.
• Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
• Reserve a little dressing to refresh leftovers.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes! It can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Q: How long does it last?

A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I use another pasta shape?

A: Absolutely. Rotini, bowties, penne, or fusilli work great.

Q: Is this recipe vegetarian?

A: Yes, as written it is vegetarian.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?

A: Simply substitute gluten-free spaghetti.

Q: What proteins pair well with this salad?

A: Grilled chicken, turkey, shrimp, tuna, chickpeas, or tofu are excellent additions.

Recipe Information

Recipe Name: Garden Veggie Spaghetti Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Course: Salad, Side Dish, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Yield: 8 servings
Calories: Approximately 240 per serving