Description
This Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad is a vibrant, nourishing dish featuring perfectly roasted bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions combined with tender pasta, fresh herbs, and creamy plant-based cheese. Tossed in a zesty natural dressing with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and mustard, this colorful salad offers a fresh and satisfying meal that is quick to prepare and adaptable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Mixed Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, chopped
Pasta
- 250g penne or fusilli pasta
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Plant-Based Cheese
- 100g plant-based cheese, cubed or crumbled
Dressing (natural)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon mustard (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of chili flakes
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of chili flakes
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Wash and chop bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
- Roast the Vegetables: Arrange the chopped vegetables on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Cook the Pasta: While vegetables roast, boil the pasta in salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dressing (natural): In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, mustard, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and natural gelling agent until smooth and tangy.
- Combine Ingredients: Allow roasted vegetables to cool slightly. Toss them with the cooked pasta, fresh herbs, and plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently mix to combine without breaking pasta or vegetables.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Serve garnished with extra fresh herbs or toasted seeds if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure vegetables roast rather than steam.
- Add fresh herbs at the end for vibrant flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture when mixed with warm vegetables.
- Chill the salad before serving for best flavor integration.
- Adjust acidity in the dressing to taste by modifying vinegar or oil amounts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: roasted vegetable pasta salad, plant-based, vegan pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, gluten free pasta salad, easy pasta salad