This Market Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish perfect for warm days or as a side for any meal. It combines tender shell macaroni with crisp broccoli, zucchini, and sweet red peppers. The homemade dressing, made with vegetable oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, provides a bright, tangy kick that coats every bite. While the original recipe includes cheese, this version can easily be adapted for vegan diets by omitting dairy products. It’s a versatile recipe that tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Serve it cold or at room temperature for a satisfying, home-style meal that brings the garden to your table.
Market Pasta Salad
Description
This Market Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish perfect for warm days or as a side for any meal. It combines tender shell macaroni with crisp broccoli, zucchini, and sweet red peppers. The homemade dressing, made with vegetable oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, provides a bright, tangy kick that coats every bite. It's a versatile recipe that tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.Ingredients
Directions
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Cook shell macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water.
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In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped onion, sliced zucchini, and red pepper strips.
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Add the drained hot macaroni to the vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped garlic.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
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Refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to chill.
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Before serving, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired and give a final toss.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 246.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 1.8g3%
- Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 0.0mg0%
- Total Carbohydrate 52.0g18%
- Dietary Fiber 3.4g14%
- Sugars 0.6g
- Protein 8.8g18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors absorb into the pasta.
Vegan Option: Omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan parmesan alternative to keep this dish entirely plant-based.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap in other seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for added color and crunch.
Cooking Tip: Rinsing the pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and helps prevent sticking, ensuring the salad stays fresh and separate.
