Best 8 Chunky Veggie Pasta Salad Recipes

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With its vibrant colors, crisp textures, and the perfect balance of flavors, chunky veggie pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings. The combination of tender pasta, a variety of crisp vegetables, a flavorful dressing, and herbs creates a satisfying and nutritious meal that's sure to please everyone at the table. In this article, we'll explore some of the best recipes for chunky veggie pasta salad, providing you with a range of options that cater to different tastes and preferences. Get ready to discover a collection of delicious and colorful recipes that will make your next chunky veggie pasta salad a hit!

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

VEGGIE PASTA SALAD



Veggie Pasta Salad image

Melissa Marsh of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania shares this colorful pasta salad with fresh veggies in a pleasant balsamic vinegar dressing. Fix a batch ahead of time for sensational meatless meals all week.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 35m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

8 ounces uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
3 small tomatoes, chopped
1 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 cup each chopped celery, sweet red pepper, zucchini and carrots
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the vegetables, vinegar, basil, oil, sugar, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper. , Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into vegetable mixture. Add Parmesan cheese and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 108 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 352mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

BEST POTLUCK PASTA SALAD



Best Potluck Pasta Salad image

Homemade pasta salad that's perfect for any potluck or backyard bbq!

Provided by The Chunky Chef

Categories     Side Dish

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 box uncooked short-cut pasta (I used farfalle (but rotini or penne work as well), 16oz)
2/3 cup sliced red onions
1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes (halved (regular cherry or grape tomatoes work as well))
1 cup diced cucumbers
1/4 cup pickled capers (jarred)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 1/2 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
2 1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp fresh minced oregano
2 tsp fresh minced parsley
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Steps:

  • Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil over HIGH heat. Salt the water with about a tablespoon of salt. Add pasta and cook until just al dente (according to package instructions).
  • Drain pasta and toss with a light drizzle of olive oil. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • While pasta is cooling, chop tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Set aside in a large mixing bowl and add capers to the bowl.
  • Add dressing ingredients, except for olive oil, to a bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly pour in the olive oil, and continue whisking until completely combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
  • Add the cooked pasta and crumbled feta cheese to the large bowl with the vegetables. Pour dressing over the top and toss to combine.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, up to 2 days.
  • Serve cold or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 263 kcal, Carbohydrate 7 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 24 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 16 mg, Sodium 377 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CHUNKY VEGETABLE SPAGHETTI



Chunky Vegetable Spaghetti image

You can have a veggie-packed, homemade spaghetti dinner on your table in just 15 minutes.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 package (16 oz) spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (2 cups)
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced (1 cup)
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium onion, diced (1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, seeded, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 jar (7 oz) roasted red peppers, drained, coarsely chopped
2 cups any variety tomato pasta sauce or Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce*
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh or 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
Shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired

Steps:

  • Cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package.
  • Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, onions and garlic; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients except basil and cheese. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot. Stir in basil. Serve sauce over spaghetti. Sprinkle with cheese. Makes about 5 1/2 cups sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 470, Carbohydrate 84 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 8 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 560 mg, Sugar 12 g, TransFat 0 g

EASY VEGAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE BY TASTY



Easy Vegan Pasta Salad Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: dried pasta, chickpeas, broccoli floret, carrot, red onion, fresh parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, cherry tomatoes

Provided by Rachel Gaewski

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

8 oz dried pasta, cooked
15 oz chickpeas, 1 can, drained and rinsed
1 cup broccoli floret, steamed
½ cup carrot, shredded
½ cup red onion, sliced
¼ cup fresh parsley
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes

Steps:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, chickpeas, grape tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, red onion, and parsley.
  • In a small liquid measuring cup, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, and whisk to combine.
  • Pour dressing over pasta salad and stir until evenly distributed.
  • Transfer pasta salad into 4 containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 545 calories, Carbohydrate 80 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 13 grams, Protein 18 grams, Sugar 10 grams

CURLY PASTA AND VEGGIE SALAD



Curly Pasta and Veggie Salad image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

Vegetable oil cooking spray
6 ounces sugar snap peas, strings removed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 plum tomatoes, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 large yellow bell peppers, cored, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large orange bell pepper, cored, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound cavatappi or macaroni pasta
2/3 cup buttermilk
2/3 cup safflower oil
2/3 cup sour cream
2 lemons, zested
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup chopped fresh chives
1/3 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • For the vegetables: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with vegetable oil spray. Combine all the vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary, salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Spread out the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Roast until tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and place in a large serving bowl.
  • For the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, safflower oil, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, chives, mint, parsley, salt and pepper until smooth.
  • Add the roasted vegetables and dressing to the cooked pasta. Toss until all ingredients are coated and serve.

VEGETABLE CHUNK SALAD



Vegetable Chunk Salad image

Many of us use crudite platters for starters around the holidays. Substitute or add any combination of crudite to this simple salad.

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 large red or green bell pepper, cut into bite-size chunks
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/2 European (seedless) cucumber, cut into bite-size chunks
2 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 yellow squash, cut into bite-size pieces
3 tablespoons to 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, a couple of glugs
2 tablespoons (about 2 splashes) red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Coarse salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Combine chopped vegetables in a medium bowl. Place oil, vinegar, sugar, and Italian seasoning in a small plastic container with a lid. Secure lid and shake dressing vigorously for 1 minute. Pour dressing over salad and toss. Season salad with salt and pepper, to taste.

VEGAN VEGGIE PASTA SALAD



Vegan Veggie Pasta Salad image

The salad is tossed in my own homemade Italian dressing, but you can use which ever dressing you desire. Serve chilled.

Provided by Anysa Johnson

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Cauliflower

Time 47m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (16 ounce) package whole wheat rotini pasta
3 cups chopped broccoli
2 cups cubed cucumber
1 ½ cups cubed butternut squash
1 ½ cups halved green beans
1 ½ cups cubed jicama
1 cup Italian dressing, or more to taste
½ cup halved snow peas
½ head cauliflower, chopped
2 tablespoons halved cherry tomatoes

Steps:

  • Bring to boil 4 quarts of lightly salted water in a large pot; stir in pasta. Cook and stir until soft, about 7 minutes. Drain pasta through a strainer and rinse with cold water.
  • Mix pasta, broccoli, cucumber, squash, green beans, jicama, Italian dressing, snow peas, cauliflower, and cherry tomatoes together in a bowl. Refrigerate until chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 167.8 calories, Carbohydrate 28.7 g, Fat 4.7 g, Fiber 4.6 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 258.2 mg, Sugar 2.8 g

CHUNKY VEGGIE SLAW



Chunky Veggie Slaw image

The classic coleslaw with cabbage gets a fresh approach when you add broccoli, cucumbers, snap peas and crunchy walnuts. -Nicholas King, Duluth, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 14 servings (1 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 small head cabbage, chopped
6 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 medium cucumber, chopped
2 celery ribs, sliced
12 fresh sugar snap peas, halved
1 small green pepper, chopped
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
2 green onions, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk buttermilk, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar and salt. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Top with walnuts and green onions. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 125 calories, Fat 9g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 189mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Use fresh, colorful vegetables for an appealing salad. Aim for a variety of colors and textures, such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
  • Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. This will ensure that it retains a slightly firm texture and doesn't become mushy in the salad.
  • Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This will make them easier to eat and distribute evenly throughout the salad.
  • Use a light and flavorful dressing. A simple vinaigrette or a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt or avocado is a good option.
  • Season the salad to taste with salt, pepper, and herbs. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme add a nice touch of flavor.
  • Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Chunky veggie pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish, or a potluck contribution. With its vibrant colors, crisp textures, and flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a healthy and satisfying salad, give this chunky veggie pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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