Veggie Pasta Salad with Italian Vinaigrette is a vibrant, refreshing, and hearty dish that brings together colorful vegetables, tender pasta, and a zesty homemade dressing. This salad is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, lunch boxes, and easy weeknight meals. It is the kind of dish that tastes even better as it sits, allowing the vinaigrette to soak into the pasta and vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized based on the vegetables you love or what you have in your kitchen. Whether served cold or at room temperature, it always delivers fresh, bright, and satisfying bites. It is also a great option for meal prep because it stays delicious for days.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Veggie Pasta Salad because it is refreshing yet filling, simple yet flavorful, and incredibly adaptable. The Italian vinaigrette ties everything together with its tangy, herby, and savory notes. I also enjoy this recipe because it works for any season; in summer it feels cool and crisp, and in winter it adds a bright, fresh contrast to richer dishes.

Another reason I love this recipe is its meal-prep-friendly nature. It stores beautifully, making it convenient for busy schedules. It is also a crowd-pleaser, making it a go-to for gatherings or potlucks.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This pasta salad is a must-try because it offers nutritional balance, flavor depth, and convenience all in one dish. It is loaded with vegetables that bring high fiber and vitamins, while the pasta offers satisfying carbohydrates. The homemade vinaigrette elevates the entire dish with freshness that store-bought dressings can’t match.

It’s also budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and can be made ahead of time. Its versatility allows you to make it gluten-free, vegan, or high-protein depending on your needs.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

Servings: 4–6
Calories per Serving: ~280 kcal
Course: Salad / Main Course / Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian / Mediterranean

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

• 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne work best)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets, lightly steamed
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For the Italian Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. Add the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl.
3. Prepare and chop all vegetables and add them to the bowl.
4. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients.
5. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetables.
6. Toss everything together until well-coated.
7. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and cool under cold water.
2. Steam broccoli lightly for 1–2 minutes and cool.
3. Wash and chop tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, olives, and carrots.
4. Add pasta and vegetables into a large salad bowl.
5. Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning in the vinaigrette.
7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
8. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve chilled or at room temperature. This salad pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, vegan proteins, tofu skewers, sandwiches, or as a refreshing side for picnics and barbecues. It can also be a stand-alone meal for lunch.

Recipe Tips

• Use short pasta shapes as they hold dressing better.
• Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
• Add the dressing while the pasta is slightly warm for better absorption.
• Make the salad ahead for deeper flavor.
• Add fresh herbs right before serving for maximum freshness.

Variations

Protein-Boosted Version

Add chickpeas, grilled tofu, white beans, or vegan chicken strips.

Mediterranean Style

Add artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and sprinkle with vegan feta.

Creamy Version

Mix Italian vinaigrette with 2 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise or cashew cream.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free pasta such as brown rice or corn pasta.

Lower-Calorie Option

Use more veggies and reduce pasta quantity.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
• Refresh with additional vinaigrette before serving again.

Freezing:

• Freezing is not recommended, as pasta and fresh vegetables become mushy when thawed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Strainer
• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board and knife
• Small jar or bowl for mixing vinaigrette

FAQ

Q: Can I make this salad a day ahead?
A: Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend.

Q: Can I use store-bought vinaigrette?
A: Yes, but homemade dressing has fresher flavor and fewer additives.

Q: How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
A: Rinse with cold water after cooking and toss with a teaspoon of olive oil.

Q: Can I add cheese?
A: Yes, add vegan mozzarella, parmesan, or feta for extra flavor.

Q: Which pasta shape is best?
A: Rotini, farfalle, penne, or fusilli hold dressing and veggies well.

Conclusion

Veggie Pasta Salad with Italian Vinaigrette is a bright, flavorful, nutritious, and incredibly versatile dish that fits perfectly into any meal plan. With its fresh vegetables, tangy vinaigrette, and customizable nature, it is a recipe that works for busy families, gatherings, meal prep, and everyday enjoyment. Easy to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients, this pasta salad is one you will want to make again and again.