Rainbow Veggie Pasta Salad
This Rainbow Veggie Pasta Salad is a vibrant, wholesome dish bursting with fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and a zesty Mediterranean-style dressing. It’s full of color, crunch, and nutrition — ideal for lunch, picnics, or as a light side dish.
The best part? It’s non-spicy, refreshing, and easy to make!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 cups cooked pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup yellow bell pepper, diced
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
½ cup cucumber, chopped
¼ cup red cabbage, shredded
¼ cup carrots, shredded
¼ cup corn (fresh, canned, or boiled)
¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese or mozzarella pearls
2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 small garlic clove, minced
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Veggies
While pasta cools, chop all vegetables (bell peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, corn).
Combine them in a large salad bowl.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more lemon for tang, honey for sweetness).
4. Assemble the Salad
Add the cooled pasta to the veggies.
Pour dressing over the top.
Toss everything together until well coated.
Sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh parsley or basil.
Tips
You can chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving for better flavor.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
Add grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days — it tastes even better the next day!
Serving Suggestions
Serve cold or at room temperature with:
Grilled chicken or salmon
Garlic bread or pita crisps
A side of Greek yogurt dressing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It’s a perfect make-ahead salad — just keep dressing separate and mix before serving.
Q2: Can I skip cheese?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, skip feta or use vegan cheese.
Q3: Can I use other vegetables?
Yes — broccoli florets, peas, or zucchini also work well.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: 10g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 6g