cold pasta salad recipes vegetarian

Vegetarian pasta salads are a great way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal. They can be served as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find and the recipes are simple to prepare. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best cold pasta salad recipes for vegetarians.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This Mediterranean pasta salad is full of flavor, thanks to the combination of artichoke hearts, olives, feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. It’s a great option for a light lunch or as a side dish for a barbecue.

Ingredients:

1 pound of bow-tie or rotini pasta
1/2 cup of kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup of artichoke hearts, quartered
1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup of sliced red onion
1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup of olive oil
2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, olives, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Broccoli and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

This broccoli and sun-dried tomato pasta salad is full of flavor and texture. The sun-dried tomatoes add a subtle sweetness, and the broccoli gives it a nice crunch. It’s a great side dish for any summer barbecue.

Ingredients:

1 pound of bow-tie or rotini pasta
1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups of fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup of olive oil
2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli, and Parmesan cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad

This cucumber and dill pasta salad is cool and refreshing. The dill adds a bright flavor, and the cucumbers and tomatoes add a nice crunch. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

Ingredients:

1 pound of bow-tie or rotini pasta
2 cups of cucumber, diced
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup of fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup of olive oil
2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, and dill.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of eating a vegetarian pasta salad?

Eating a vegetarian pasta salad can be a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and protein. It’s also a great way to get all the nutrients you need while avoiding the unhealthy fats and cholesterol found in meats. Plus, it’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy a healthy meal.

How do you make a vegetarian pasta salad?

Making a vegetarian pasta salad is easy. Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Then, add your favorite vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, artichoke hearts, and olives. For the dressing, mix together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and herbs. Toss everything together and enjoy!

What vegetables can I add to my vegetarian pasta salad?

The possibilities are endless. You can add any vegetables that you like such as tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, olives, and more. You can also add other ingredients such as feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, or nuts.

How long will a vegetarian pasta salad keep?

A vegetarian pasta salad should keep for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to stir the salad before serving since the pasta may absorb some of the dressing.

Can I make a vegetarian pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian pasta salad ahead of time. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. Then, add the vegetables and dressing and mix everything together. Cover the salad and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve it, give it a good stir and enjoy!