Go Back
Veggie Pasta Salad Recipe
Swaggy Eats

Veggie Pasta Salad

This vibrant veggie pasta salad combines elbow macaroni with crisp cucumbers, colorful bell peppers, and crunchy carrots, all tossed in a zesty red wine vinaigrette. It's quick to prepare, healthy, and full of flavor. It's perfect for meal prep, picnics, lunch or a light dinner. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing dish any time.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: dinner, Lunch, Meal Prep
Cuisine: American
Calories: 352

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 1 box elbow macaroni (16 oz)
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
Red Wine Vinaigrette
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  2. Prep Veggies: While pasta cools, chop cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots (and red onion if using).
  3. Make Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Toss It All Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, veggies, and spices. Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Give it a stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Estimated Nutrition per Serving (1 cup):

  • Calories: Approximately 352
  • Total Fat: 8.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 8g