This ultimate delicious summer pasta salad is loaded with a variety of garden vegetables, and a dressing that is fresh and light with Mediterranean flavours. This pasta salad is definitely a keeper!
This pasta salad recipe is easy to make that only requires some time to prepare the vegetables, and cook the pasta. Enjoy it as a light meal, or as a side with grilled meats, poultry or fish.
The beauty of the salad is you can add any vegetables you may have in your refrigerator or maybe if you are lucky enough to have a garden in your backyard. The vegetables I chose were ones I had on hand, and include in my diet regularly. I look forward to making more salads once the vegetables become more available.
The dressing I made is one that is fresh, healthy and so delicious. It consists of tangy red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, rich extra virgin olive oil, hint of bold garlic flavour and oregano. It can be used on any salads, and also used as a marinate.
Ingredients for this summer salad:
Pasta: I used rotini pasta for this recipe, and I suggest to use a pasta that absorbs and works well for a cold salad; another option is shells or boxtie
Greens: kale is not only a healthy option, it has texture and holds up well with olive vinegar dressing
Veggies: pepper, cucumber, celery, broccoli, and heirloom tomatoes all add texture, colour and delicious flavour
Shallot: a mild onion that isn’t overpowering
Parsley: adds so much flavour and in my opinion, this herb that should be added to all salads
Goat cheese: or feta cheese are optional; however, they add flavour
Dressing: keeping in mind the fresh and light Mediterranean flavours which I just love!
Summer Garden Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Salad:
- 8 oz (227g) rotini pasta
- 1 cup kale, torn into pieces
- 1/2 cup coloured pepper, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cucumber, cut in half
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 1 cup heirloom tomatoes, cut in half
- 1 cup broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup goat cheese (optional)
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano if using fresh, add 3 tsp of oregano
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Salad: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and pasta and follow package instructions until al dente; then drain and rinse in cold water. Set aside to drain.
- In a large bowl, add the kale, coloured pepper, cucumber, celery, shallot, heirloom tomatoes, and broccoli. Once pasta has completely drained, add it to the large bowl.
- Dressing: Using a measuring cup, add and whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, and toss ingredients until they are well coated with the dressing.
- Cover the pasta salad and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This will allow the flavours from the dressing to blend with the pasta and vegetables. When ready to serve, give it another toss and enjoy as a side or a main dish.
Notes
Nutrition
Making this pasta salad is super easy:
Salad: Once you have cooked the pasta to al dente, rinsed in cold water, then set aside to drain. Then wash, and cut the vegetables, then combine the kale, coloured pepper, cucumber, celery, shallot, heirloom tomatoes, and broccoli in a large bowl. Once pasta is completely drained then add it to the vegetable bowl.
Dressing: add all of the dressing ingredients into a measuring cup, and whisk until you get a nice light creamy texture. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and combine well so all of the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
Once the salad is tossed, and the dressing is coating the vegetables and pasta. Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving to allow the dressing to flavour the salad. When you’re ready to serve then add goat cheese if you so desire.
This pasta salad can be easily substituted to a whole grain pasta, or gluten-free pasta salad. Either way, hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Happy Eating:)
