The Penne Pasta Salad is a fresh, zesty dish that’s perfect for warm-weather meals, potlucks, or prepping lunches for the week. It’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor thanks to a mix of crisp veggies, briny olives, and an herby vinaigrette that ties everything together.
Light, satisfying, and full of color, this dish is not only easy to make, it’s incredibly customizable. Whether you serve it chilled or at room temperature, it’s a crowd-pleaser for vegans and omnivores alike. Feel free to toss in chickpeas for added protein or crumble in some vegan feta for extra flair.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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12 ounces penne pasta (gluten-free if desired)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup cucumber, diced
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1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
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While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, and basil.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss until evenly coated.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Penne Pasta Salad: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Dish
Pasta salad is a beloved staple in homes, picnics, and potlucks around the world and for good reason. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and endlessly customizable. The Zesty Penne Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies and Herbs is a particularly vibrant version of this classic, offering a refreshing blend of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients paired with a tangy vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch, a side dish for your barbecue, or a main course that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional goals, this dish delivers on all fronts.
A Modern Take on a Traditional Favorite
The history of pasta salad stretches back decades, with origins in Italian-American kitchens where pasta was combined with simple dressings and leftover vegetables. Over time, this humble dish evolved, and variations began to reflect a wide array of culinary cultures and dietary needs. The version featured here embraces plant-based eating and Mediterranean flavors, incorporating crunchy cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, salty Kalamata olives, and fragrant fresh herbs like parsley and basil. All of this is tied together with a light, zesty dressing that adds just the right amount of tang.
What sets this salad apart is its emphasis on fresh, whole ingredients and minimal cooking. It’s a dish that celebrates the natural flavors of the produce, making it not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing.
The Flavor Profile: Bright, Tangy, and Refreshing
One of the most appealing aspects of this penne pasta salad is its flavor profile. The use of red wine vinegar and lemon juice in the vinaigrette provides a bright, acidic base that cuts through the richness of the pasta. Dijon mustard adds a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing, making it cling beautifully to every piece of penne.
Fresh herbs play a starring role in the flavor experience. Basil brings a sweet, slightly peppery edge, while parsley adds grassy freshness and balance. Together, they elevate the entire dish, making each bite taste like summer in a bowl.
The chopped red onion lends a sharp contrast to the mellow pasta, while the cherry tomatoes burst with juiciness. Kalamata olives, with their signature briny intensity, round out the profile with a savory depth that balances the acidity and freshness.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
This penne pasta salad isn’t just easy on the palate it’s also good for your body. When made with whole grain or gluten-free pasta, it becomes a fiber-rich option that supports digestion and satiety. The inclusion of fresh vegetables ensures a generous supply of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Cucumbers, for example, are hydrating and contain anti-inflammatory compounds, while cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. Red onions, often overlooked, contain quercetin, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects.
Olive oil, a core component of the Mediterranean diet, is packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and has been shown to reduce inflammation and support brain function. The herbs not only add flavor but also deliver micro-nutrients and plant compounds that boost immunity and detoxification.
When made with a mindful approach using organic produce, high-quality oil, and gluten-free pasta if needed this salad becomes more than just a side dish. It’s a complete meal that supports balanced nutrition.
Ideal for Meal Prep and Entertaining
One of the most convenient aspects of this pasta salad is its flexibility for meal prep. It stores exceptionally well in the refrigerator and tastes even better after a few hours when the flavors have had time to meld. This makes it a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time, whether you’re packing it for work lunches, feeding a family, or planning a picnic.
The salad can also easily scale up for entertaining. Hosting a backyard barbecue? Double the recipe and serve it in a large, chilled bowl alongside grilled vegetables or protein. The bright colors and fresh aromas make it visually appealing, and its universal flavors cater to a wide range of dietary preferences.
Because it’s dairy-free and can be made gluten-free, it accommodates many guests with dietary restrictions. You can even transform it into a heartier main by adding chickpeas, grilled tofu, or plant-based feta.
Versatile and Customizable
Another standout feature of this pasta salad is how adaptable it is. Don’t have cherry tomatoes? Use diced Roma or heirloom tomatoes. Want to boost the protein content? Toss in cooked lentils, white beans, or rotisserie chicken if you’re not strictly plant-based. Craving a Mediterranean fusion? Add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning.
You can also switch up the pasta. While penne is ideal for holding the dressing and chopped veggies, fusilli or rotini work equally well and add a fun twist. If you prefer a low-carb option, consider replacing the pasta with spiralized zucchini or chickpea pasta.
The dressing itself can be modified, too. Try using apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a fruitier flavor, or add a spoonful of tahini for creaminess and richness. A touch of maple syrup or agave nectar can round out the acidity if you prefer a slightly sweeter vinaigrette.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This dish fits seamlessly into any dining scenario. It’s light enough for lunch, satisfying enough for dinner, and beautiful enough to serve at gatherings. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, which makes it ideal for outdoor events and travel. It also pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages from sparkling water with citrus to a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Whether you’re enjoying it solo or serving it at a social gathering, it has the rare quality of being universally appealing. It’s comforting, familiar, and fresh all at once.
Sustainability and Seasonality
Using seasonal, local ingredients can enhance both the flavor and sustainability of your dish. During the summer, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers are abundant and at peak flavor. By shopping at your local farmers market or growing your own herbs, you reduce the environmental footprint of your meal while supporting local producers.
This salad also encourages mindful eating practices. It invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and appreciate the vibrant colors and textures of your food. In a world where convenience often trumps quality, meals like this are a gentle reminder that simplicity and care can coexist with ease and speed.
Conclusion:
The Zesty Penne Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies and Herbs is more than just a simple side dish it’s a celebration of fresh produce, vibrant flavors, and wholesome ingredients. With its Mediterranean flair and plant-based foundation, it offers a versatile, nutritious, and crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
Its ease of preparation and adaptability to different dietary preferences make it a staple worth adding to your recipe rotation. Whether you’re looking for a light weekday meal, something special for guests, or a make-ahead lunch that will keep you energized, this pasta salad has got you covered.
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