Grilled Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 15 minutes

This recipe captures the essence of the season: Grilled Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad.

Picture this – a medley of vibrant vegetables kissed by the grill's smoky embrace, mingling with al dente pasta in a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. It's a dish that embodies the joys of outdoor gatherings and picnics in the sun. Whether you're a dedicated veggie enthusiast or simply seeking a refreshing dish to beat the heat, this pasta salad is your go-to. So, let's fire up the grill and create a culinary masterpiece that'll make your summer gatherings even more memorable!

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Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 6 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 350

For the Salad

• 8 oz (225g) fusilli or your favorite pasta

• 2 zucchinis, sliced

• 2 bell peppers (assorted colors), quartered

• 1 red onion, cut into thick rings

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears of corn)

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

For the Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.

Step 2

Brush the sliced zucchinis, bell peppers, and red onion rings with a bit of olive oil and grill until char marks appear, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the grilled vegetables, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, and cooked pasta.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.

Step 5

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Step 6

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and torn basil leaves over the salad.

Step 7

Serve the Grilled Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad slightly chilled. It's perfect for a light and refreshing summer family dinner.

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Make it your own…

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.

• Experiment with other grilled vegetables like eggplant or asparagus.

• Incorporate fresh mint or parsley for additional herbal freshness.

• Customize the vinaigrette by adding lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or your favorite herbs.

• 🥕 Make it Vegan: omit the feta or replace with your favorite vegan cheese. Use maple syrup instead of honey.

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Try it with…