It's finally summer which means it's time for summer pasta salads. I've seen too many mayonnaise-based pasta salads at potlucks, picnics and BBQ's. Let's be real, I don't want to eat something that will sit heavily in my stomach nor do I want any mayonnaise (also for obviously vegan reasons) that has been sitting in the hot sun all day. Summer should be all about light and healthy pasta salads. A pasta salad that is easy and quick to make since I don't feel like spending hot summer days in the kitchen. I want to be outside enjoying the nice weather while eating some good food. Who is with me?
Summer Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 500 g or 4 cups Whole Wheat Penne can be substituted with any other kind of pasta
- 4 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 6 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 3 Bell Peppers Red, Yellow,Orange - diced
- 1 Red Onion diced
- 15 Cherry Tomatoes halved
- ½ cup Fresh Parsley chopped
- ½ cup Chives chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to instructions on packaging. Drain pasta and add olive oil. Allow pasta to cool for 15 minutes.
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Meanwhile, dice bell peppers and onion, halve tomatoes, and chop herbs.
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Once pasta as cooled add vegetables, herbs, vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
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Serve and Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
1)Pasta will keep well in refrigerator, in airtight container or covered with plastic wrap, for up to 4 days.2) I recommend using whole wheat, spelt, or quinoa pasta to give this salad the additional healthy boost it deserves :)
Want more ideas for your next vegan summer bbq? Try my Eggplant Burgers, Oil-free Watermelon Tomato Salad, or Avocado Peach Salsa with Coconut Oil Chips :)
Jo from yummyvege says
Couldn't agree with you more about pasta salad - I never liked mayo much in the first place but in summer it's a definite no no! I'd eat this pasta salad any day of the week.
Anna says
I put my own twist on this and it turned out very yummy. I used lemon juice, because I'm not a huge vinegar fan, and I also added some cilantro and garlic. I also felt like 1 and 1/4 bell pepper was more than enough.
So much lighter than mayo based salads. I actually ate quite a bit of this and I still don't feel weighed down at all and neither do I "miss the meat".
Vanessa says
Thanks Anna! Using lemon juice instead sounds great and refreshing. I go to town on this pasta salad too and never feel like I've eaten too much.
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit says
Hahaha I can totally see you at a potluck tossing the icky mayo pasta salad in the trash while no one's looking :D You go girl! Mayo does not have a place in summertime food...or any food for that matter in my opinion, there are always more appealing options! This is gorgeous, perfect picnic food <3