Pasta Salad Bowl
A vibrant and fresh pasta salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and herbs, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons snipped chives ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed ⓘ
- 8 ounces spiral or corkscrew pasta
- 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 pound broccoli ⓘ
Instructions
- In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, garlic, chives, dried basil, and dried dill.
- Shake well until the dressing is thoroughly combined.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to a large salad bowl.
- Add the dressing to the pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables by halving the cherry tomatoes and cutting broccoli into 1 1/2-inch flowerets.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and broccoli to the pasta salad.
- Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired, toss again, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, let the pasta salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the dressing to soak into the pasta and vegetables. For a twist, consider adding feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean flair. You can substitute chives with green onions or use fresh herbs like basil instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta salad as a light main dish or as a side alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Hot Pickled Carrots for a tangy contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a slice of crusty bread or a refreshing Cucumber And Orange Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry after refrigerating, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving. This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Salad Bowl contains roughly 281 calories, with 9g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2172mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together beautifully, but you may want to add a bit more dressing before serving to refresh it.
What other vegetables can I add to the pasta salad?
You can customize the pasta salad by adding vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or zucchini. Roasted vegetables also work well. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this pasta salad is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. It's a great option for those following vegan recipes, and you can add chickpeas or tofu for extra protein.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).