![- Pasta and Main Ingredients - 8 oz (225g) whole wheat pasta (fusilli or penne) - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds - 1 red onion, sliced into rings - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Seasonings and Dressings - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ¼ cup balsamic vinegar - Optional Toppings - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish This grilled vegetable pasta salad shines with fresh, bright flavors. You can use any whole wheat pasta you like. I enjoy fusilli or penne for their great texture. The colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion provide a delightful crunch. Grilling these veggies gives them a smoky taste that brings everything together. For seasonings, the olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables. I love using balsamic vinegar to add a tangy kick to the dish. Feta cheese adds creaminess and saltiness. Fresh basil leaves on top make it look beautiful and fresh. You can find the full recipe in the article. Don't skip the chance to enjoy this vibrant dish! To start, boil a large pot of salted water. Add your whole wheat pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This helps keep your pasta firm. Set the pasta aside while you grill the veggies. Next, we prep the veggies. Slice the red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Put them in a bowl. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder. This adds great flavor. Now, heat the grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place the seasoned veggies on the grill. Grill for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Look for those nice grill marks and a tender texture. Once done, take them off the grill and let them cool a bit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled vegetables, and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top. Toss everything until it's mixed well. This is where the magic happens! Now, gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This adds a creamy burst of flavor. For the best taste, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Serve it cold or at room temperature. Add fresh basil leaves on top for a lovely finish. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful grilled vegetable pasta salad! For more details, check the Full Recipe. For pasta salad, choose short shapes. Fusilli and penne work well. They hold onto the dressing and mix easily with veggies. Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and flavor. Always cook pasta until al dente to keep it firm. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy in salad. To get great grill marks, preheat your grill. Make sure it’s hot before adding veggies. Brush them lightly with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor. Place the veggies on the grill without crowding. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes. Turn them only once for those perfect marks. You want them tender but still crisp. Fresh herbs can elevate your salad. Add basil, parsley, or thyme for more flavor. You can also mix in spices like red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. Try to use balsamic vinegar for a sweet touch. It pairs well with feta cheese in the salad. For the full recipe, check out the full recipe. {{image_2}} You can make this grilled vegetable pasta salad heartier by adding protein. Here are some tasty options: - Chicken: Grilled chicken adds flavor and a nice texture. Cook it with herbs for extra taste. - Tofu: For a plant-based option, grilled tofu works well. Marinate it in soy sauce for a savory twist. - Shrimp: Grilled shrimp brings a seafood flair. Toss it on the grill for a quick cook. If you want a vegan dish, you can swap out some ingredients. Here are the best choices: - Cheese: Instead of feta, try vegan cheese. You can also use avocado for creaminess. - Dressings: Choose a plant-based dressing. Olive oil and lemon juice are fresh and simple. Using different veggies can keep this dish exciting. Here are some ideas for seasonal variety: - Asparagus: This spring veggie adds a crisp bite. Grill it for a few minutes. - Corn: Sweet corn brings a pop of flavor. Grill it on the cob or use frozen kernels. - Eggplant: This hearty vegetable adds depth. Slice it and grill until soft. Feel free to mix and match these ideas! Check out the Full Recipe for more inspiration. Experiment to find your favorite combination. To keep your grilled vegetable pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. When stored properly, it lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Can you freeze pasta salad? Yes, but it may change in texture. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe container. You can keep it frozen for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best results. To maintain texture, reheat pasta salad gently. The best method is to use the microwave on low power. Stir it every 30 seconds until warm. You can also let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. Yes, you can make this salad ahead. It tastes even better after chilling. I suggest making it up to a day before serving. Just keep it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to mix well. If you don't have feta, try goat cheese or mozzarella. Both add great flavors. You can also use a vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. It keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Absolutely! You can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Each type will change the taste slightly. Balsamic gives a sweet flavor, while red wine adds a tangy note. Choose what you like best! For the full recipe, visit [Full Recipe]. In this blog post, I covered how to make a tasty pasta salad. We explored the key ingredients, from pasta to veggies and seasonings. I shared step-by-step cooking tips for grilling and combining your salad. I also provided ways to enhance flavor and create variations. Finally, I discussed storage tips to keep your salad fresh. With these tips, you can easily create a delicious dish. Enjoy the process and get creative with your flavors!](https://emmasdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/71b6dc10-d970-4179-b95f-d63019ca2912-250x250.webp)
- Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad
Dive into this refreshing grilled vegetable pasta salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a light meal! Packed with vibrant veggies like bell peppers and zucchini, tossed with whole wheat pasta and a zesty balsamic dressing, this dish is both delicious and healthy. Don’t miss out on the creamy feta that brings everything together.