![To make a tasty grilled vegetable pasta salad, you'll need the following ingredients: - 8 oz whole grain pasta (like penne or fusilli) - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds - 1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks - 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into chunks - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 red onion, cut into wedges - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When picking vegetables, choose fresh and vibrant ones. Look for firm zucchini and bright bell peppers. The tomatoes should be plump and juicy. A good onion should feel heavy for its size. Freshness affects taste and texture. Organic options often have better flavor and fewer chemicals. You can enhance this salad with extra ingredients. Add olives for a briny kick. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens flavors. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for depth. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes. These options let you customize the dish to your taste. For the full recipe and detailed instructions, check out the [Full Recipe]. First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of whole grain pasta. I like penne or fusilli for this dish. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside to cool. Cooling helps the pasta not stick together. While the pasta cools, prepare the veggies. In a large bowl, combine: - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds - 1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks - 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into chunks - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 red onion, cut into wedges Drizzle these with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Toss the veggies well to coat them. Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the seasoned vegetables on a grill pan or directly on the grill. Grill them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Turn them occasionally. You want them to be tender and have lovely grill marks. Now, it’s time to mix everything together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled vegetables with the cooled pasta. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and the remaining olive oil over the mixture. Toss gently to mix everything well. If you like cheese, sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled feta over the top. To finish, add fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor. Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. You can serve it at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful grilled vegetable pasta salad! For the full recipe, check out the recipe card above. To get those great grill marks, heat your grill to medium-high. Make sure it is hot before adding the vegetables. Place them on the grill and don’t move them for a couple of minutes. This lets them sear well. Flip them after a few minutes and grill the other side. Aim for about 5-7 minutes total. This gives you the best flavor and those nice lines. You can change this dish by using seasonal vegetables. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In summer, try eggplant or corn. In fall, use butternut squash or Brussels sprouts. Each season brings new flavors, and you can keep the dish fresh. This way, you can enjoy grilled vegetable pasta salad all year long. This pasta salad is not only tasty but also healthy. Whole grain pasta provides fiber, which helps digestion. The zucchini and bell peppers are packed with vitamins A and C. Cherry tomatoes add antioxidants, which help fight disease. Olive oil is a healthy fat that supports heart health. Feta cheese adds flavor and protein. Each ingredient works together to make this dish healthy and delicious. {{image_2}} You can boost your grilled vegetable pasta salad with protein. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well. For chicken, grill pieces until cooked through. For shrimp, skewer them and grill for a quick cook. Tofu adds a nice texture. Just press it first to remove extra moisture. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices. Quinoa or brown rice pasta also works well. They keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Just follow cooking times on the package for the best results. To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese. You can use avocado for creaminess instead. Nutritional yeast is a great option for a cheesy flavor. It adds a nice twist without any dairy. This keeps the salad fresh and full of flavor. For extra crunch, toss in some toasted nuts or seeds. To keep your grilled vegetable pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep away air and moisture. If you have leftovers, place them in the fridge within two hours of making the salad. The salad stays good for about 3-5 days. If you notice any signs of spoilage, like an off smell, it’s best to toss it. To enjoy your salad warm, you can reheat it. Place the salad in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 30 seconds. Stir and check the heat. If it needs more time, heat in short bursts. Do not overheat, as this can make the pasta mushy. If you like it cold, just enjoy it straight from the fridge! To keep your ingredients fresh, store vegetables separately. Keep them in a cool, dark place. For herbs like basil, place them in water like a bouquet. Cover with a bag and store in the fridge. You can also freeze leftover grilled veggies for later use. Just place them in a freezer bag and squeeze out the air. When you're ready, thaw and mix them back into your pasta salad. You can make grilled vegetable pasta salad ahead of time easily. First, cook the pasta and let it cool. Next, grill the vegetables and let them cool as well. Combine the pasta and vegetables in a bowl. Drizzle with dressing just before serving to keep it fresh. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This allows the flavors to mix well. Yes, you can use different vegetables! Feel free to swap out any veggies you like. Some good choices include eggplant, asparagus, or mushrooms. The key is to grill them until they are tender. This adds a nice smoky flavor to your salad. Experimenting with different vegetables keeps the dish exciting. A simple balsamic vinaigrette works great with this salad. The tangy flavor complements the grilled vegetables. You could also try a lemon-based dressing for a fresh twist. If you like it creamy, a yogurt dressing is a good choice. Just be sure to drizzle it on just before serving for the best taste. For the full recipe, please refer to the main recipe section. This article covered how to make a tasty grilled vegetable pasta salad. We explored the best ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers properly. With fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can create a dish that’s healthy and fun. Enjoy making this recipe your own and share it with loved ones. Happy cooking!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fcdd4cab-c76b-4f88-98bb-33c50cc59e5c-250x250.webp)
- Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad
Discover the vibrant flavors of grilled vegetable pasta salad! This delicious recipe combines whole grain pasta with fresh, grilled zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and onions, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, this salad is quick and easy to make. Click to explore this recipe, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a fresh, healthy dish that will impress your family and friends!