This cold vegetarian Pasta Salad, made without any sauce but loaded with vegetables is a fuss free, guilt-free treat in the summers.
Pasta is today, one of the most sought-after food in most parts of the world. As per a global survey, it has topped the list of the world's favourite foods - ahead of meat, rice, and pizza. Why so - because it is affordable, versatile and convenient. Even the sauces are so convenient to make.
Everyone, in all age groups, love Pasta. Arrabiata Pasta is a favourite of all. And Pasta in Spinach Sauce too is a good alternative to Pesto Sauce Pasta.
But what about Pasta without any sauce?
But this Pasta salad is really amazing, it comes without any baggage of calories which the sauce can bring.
Highlights of My Vegetarian Pasta Salad
- A no-fuss salad.
- Just boil Pasta, add veggies of your choice, some Vinaigrette and that's it.
- Vinaigrette lends mild tanginess to the otherwise bland pasta.
- Loaded with veggies.
- It is one salad where you have more veggies than the main ingredient, that is, Pasta and still, everybody loves it.
- In a way, this is like a vegetable salad to which some Pasta has been added.
- In fact, It is a very good way to feed veggies to your children.
- You can also pack this in your little one's lunch box.
- It can be made exotic by adding veggies like bell peppers, Zucchini, Broccoli, Jalapenos, Olives etc.
- Add anything and everything to Boiled Pasta.
- I have added Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Zucchini, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Baby Corns, Carrots.
- You can add all these or any of these or any other like Olives, Jalapenos, Capsicum, Corns etc.
- Also, I have cut long strips of the veggies to make them compatible with my Penne shaped Pasta.
Shapes Of Pasta
Pasta comes in innumerable shapes - tubular, fan shape, spiral, noodle, seashell, strip and so on. Some of the popular names are Penne, Spaghetti, Conchiglie and Orecchiette, Fusilli, Lasagna, etc.
With Salads, a spiral or fan or tubular shapes work well. The veggies can be chopped accordingly.
Variations
Use Macaroni in place of Pasta.
Q) How to boil pasta perfectly?
I have a detailed section on how to boil pasta in my Arrabiata Pasta recipe. Pl check that and all your doubts related to boiling pasta will fade away.
Q) Want to know the Difference Between Pasta And Macaroni?
Check Macaroni Salad Recipe.
Some other Salads and Soups that you will love to try are:
How to Make Pasta Salad
A cool salad made with Pasta and vegetables without any sauce.
Ingredients
For Pasta Salad
- 1/2 Cup Pasta (Any shape)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (Medium Sized)
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper (Medium Sized)
- 1/4 Broccoli (Medium Sized)
- 1 Cucumber (Medium Sized)
- 1 Carrot (Small)
- 5-6 Baby Corns
- 2-3 Tbsp Olives
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 Tbsp Slivered Almonds (Optional)
- 3-4 Tbsp Vinaigrette* See Below
Vinaigrette
- 4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Distilled White Vinegar
- 1tsp Oregano/ Parsley/ Mixed Herbs
Instructions
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Cook Pasta in a large pot of boiling water, to which salt has been added. Cook until tender. Drain in a colander and let it cool.
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While the pasta is boiling, chop all the veggies into medium size bites.
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In a large bowl, put Pasta, all the chopped veggies, and Vinaigrette.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Toss to combine.
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Cover with cling film and chill in the refrigerator.
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At the time of serving sprinkle slivered almonds (optional).
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Serve with a smile, soup optional.
Variations
-
Use Macaroni in place of Pasta.
for Vinaigrette
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Put all the three ingredients in a small bottle. (See Note 4)
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Shake shake shake.
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And your Vinaigrette is ready to go into your Pasta salad
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Make sure to shake the bottle again before adding it to the salad.This is because, when left for some time, oil and vinegar separate out again.
Recipe Notes
- Tastes best when made at least 30 minutes before serving, as flavours of herbs are absorbed properly.
- Adjust the quantity of veggies as per your preference.
- Mixed Herbs gives very good flavour. In the absence of Mixed Herbs, you can use Oregano and Dried Parsley.
- Alternatively, you can whisk oil, vinegar along with herbs in a bowl, in case the bottle is not available.
Buon Appetito !!!! (Happy eating)
Thank you for the beautiful recipe. However just wanted to find out if. There is need to also boil veggies like broccoli, corn 🌽 etc
Regards
Mirriam
You are welcome dear. As for boiling it is up to your preference and to the veggie as well. You can boil corns but broccoli, pepper etc taste good as it is. You can even blanch some of these if do not like the raw taste.
Mmmmm this looks very delicious but I think that the bread is not necessary.
Thanks…👍🏼