Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad

Introduction

Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad, a colorful and nutritious dish perfect for summer gatherings and picnics. This recipe combines smoky grilled vegetables with tangy balsamic dressing, tossed with tender pasta for a satisfying meal or side dish.

Why Make This Recipe

Grilling the vegetables adds a delicious charred flavor and brings out their natural sweetness, creating a depth of taste that pairs perfectly with the zesty dressing. This pasta salad is versatile, easy to customize, and a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet.

How to Make Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• For The Salad:
  • 1 Large red pepper
  • 6 to 8 Green onions
  • 1 Large purple onion
  • 1 Zucchini
  • Small bag mini tri-color peppers
• For The Dressing:
  • 1 Bunch fresh flat leaf parsley
  • 1/3 C of Salad Oil
  • 1/3 C of Balsamic vinegar
  • Various spices

Directions

1. Wash and prepare the vegetables for grilling.
2. Grill the veggies until slightly charred and tender.
3. Cook pasta and prepare the dressing.
4. Toss the grilled vegetables with pasta and dressing.
5. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley and black pepper.

How to Serve Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad

Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing main dish or side. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or enjoy on its own as a light and flavorful lunch.

How to Store Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Tips to Make Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad

• Use a grill pan or grill basket to prevent smaller vegetables from falling through the grates.
• Adjust the dressing to your taste by adding more or less lime and garlic.
• Customize the salad with additional grilled veggies like eggplant or cherry tomatoes.

Variation

For a creamy twist, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the dressing for a richer flavor. You can also sprinkle feta cheese or toasted pine nuts on top for extra texture and taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use different vegetables in this salad? Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite veggies like asparagus, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
2. Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Absolutely, prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
3. Can I make this salad gluten-free? Yes, simply substitute gluten-free pasta for the corkscrew pasta to make it gluten-free-friendly.