DESCRIPTION OF VERDANT DELIGHT PASTA SALAD
Verdant Delight Pasta Salad is a hearty, vibrant dish that combines the strong flavours of roasted vegetables with whole wheat pasta, dressed in a tangy lemon herb dressing. This nutritious meal is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to outdoor picnics, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes that celebrate the freshness of its ingredients.
RECIPE CATEGORY
- Side
SERVING SIZE
- Serves 8
CUISINE
- Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
- Boil, Roast
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
- Picnic, Family Reunion, Summer BBQ
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
- Healthy, Vegetarian, High Fibre, Low Fat
DISH TYPE
- Salad
INGREDIENTS FOR VERDANT DELIGHT PASTA SALAD
- 1 lb whole wheat rotini
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 yellow squash, chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1 small bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt/pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Lemon Herb Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: Approx. 280 per serving
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
PREPARATION FOR VERDANT DELIGHT PASTA SALAD
- Cook Pasta: Boil the whole wheat rotini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Roast Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, green bell pepper, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes or until tender and slightly charred.
- Prepare Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the roasted vegetables. Pour the lemon herb dressing over the pasta and vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the salad just before serving, if using.
PREP TIME
- 20 minutes
COOKING TIME
- 30 minutes
TIPS FOR VERDANT DELIGHT PASTA SALAD
- To enhance flavours, let the salad sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to soak into the pasta and veggies.
- For a non-vegetarian version, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
VARIATIONS
- Gluten-Free: Substitute whole wheat pasta with your favourite gluten-free pasta.
- Vegan Option: Omit the mozzarella and substitute with vegan cheese, or add diced avocado for creaminess.
PREPPING AND STORAGE GUIDE FOR VERDANT DELIGHT PASTA SALAD
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is perfect for meal prep as the flavours meld beautifully over time.
This delightful Verdant Delight Pasta Salad offers a wholesome, filling meal or side dish that’s packed with flavour and nutrients, ideal for any gathering or a simple family meal.