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!
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
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.
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.
