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Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

Refreshing Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad for Your Next Picnic

This vibrant Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad combines fresh veggies and tender farfalle pasta for a perfect side at gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Farfalle Pasta A short, bowtie-shaped pasta that holds dressing well.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Yellow Squash Can substitute with zucchini.
  • 1 cup Cucumber Avoid peeling for extra nutrients.
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Substitute with any sweet bell pepper.
  • 1 cup Broccoli Can replace with asparagus or snap peas.
  • 1 cup Cauliflower Optional but recommended.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Use green onions for a milder taste.
  • 0.5 cup Black Olives Add just before serving.
  • 0.5 cup Stuffed Green Olives Optional; can omit based on preference.
For the Dressing
  • 1 packet Zesty Italian Dressing Mix The key flavoring element.
  • 0.25 cup Red Wine Vinegar Substitute with apple cider vinegar if preferred.
  • 0.5 cup Olive Oil Use any mild-flavored oil.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Optional based on personal taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential when cooking pasta.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add one pound of farfalle pasta and cook according to package directions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cool water.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the fresh vegetables. Slice the red onion thinly, and chop the yellow squash, cucumber, red bell pepper, broccoli, and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the zesty Italian dressing mix, red wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and salt until smooth.
  4. Add the cooled pasta and chopped vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir everything together.
  5. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Just before serving, fold in the black olives and stuffed green olives to maintain their texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Refrigerate the salad overnight for best flavor melding; serve chilled after stirring to redistribute flavors.

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