Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of vibrant flavors? Our Tuscan Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables is the perfect dish to elevate your next gathering or simply enjoy as a light meal on a sunny day. With its colorful array of grilled veggies, creamy feta, and perfectly cooked pasta, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of Italian cuisine that will leave you craving more. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to whip up a dish that impresses and satisfies!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing vegetables thoroughly. Slice zucchini into quarter-inch rounds, chop bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, and halve cherry tomatoes.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Toss prepared zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
- Grill prepared vegetables for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until they develop light char marks and become tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, grilled vegetables, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Drizzle additional olive oil over the salad and season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves.
- Chill salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can wash and chop the vegetables a few hours in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. It should have a slight bite, which will hold up well against the grilled vegetables and dressing.
- Grilling Technique: When grilling the vegetables, avoid overcrowding the grill. This ensures they cook evenly and develop those beautiful char marks that enhance their flavor.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Asparagus, eggplant, or even artichokes make excellent additions!
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully, creating a more delicious dish.
- Fresh Herbs: Don’t skimp on the fresh basil! It adds a fragrant touch that brightens the entire salad. You can also experiment with other herbs like parsley or oregano.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad can be served as a side dish or a light main course. Pair it with grilled chicken or seafood for a complete meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
