Fast Abstract
This Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad is full of smoky zucchini, candy peppers, tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and a vibrant basil French dressing. Itβs the final word summer time facet dish or mild meal, good for BBQs, picnics, and straightforward entertaining!


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Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad: A Should-Make for Summertime
When the grill is scorching and the summer time produce is at its peak, this Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad is the very first thing I wish to make. Itβs principally all my summer time favorites in a single bowl: smoky grilled veggies, tender pasta, and a vibrant basil French dressing. Itβs easy, satisfying, and completely bursting with taste.
Iβve introduced this salad to yard BBQs, made it forward for busy weeknight dinners, and even packed it for a simple meal on the go. The grilled zucchini and peppers add that good charred sweetness, whereas the recent arugula, juicy grape tomatoes, and briny artichokes preserve issues vibrant and balanced. And that basil French dressing? I might drink it with a straw.
This pasta salad is a standout facet dish for summer time BBQs, potlucks, and picnics, however it additionally holds its personal as a lightweight vegetarian major. If you wish to add protein, throw in some white beans or chickpeas. You may also serve it with grilled rooster, pork tenderloin, steak kabobs, or turkey burgers for a easy weeknight dinner. And for those whoβre into meal prep, excellent news, it tastes even higher the subsequent day!
In the event youβre on the lookout for a make-ahead salad thatβs colourful, flavorful, and just a bit bit fancy, that is it. Belief me, youβre going to like this one.
Substances (with Useful Notes)


- Zucchini: Slice lengthwise and grill till simply tender with char marks. Smaller zucchinis are much less watery and have higher taste.
- Pink & Yellow Bell Peppers: Brilliant, candy, and ideal for grilling. Slice into broad strips to make them straightforward to flip.
- Pink Onion: Grill in thick wedges. The warmth brings out their pure sweetness.
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Evenly coat veggies earlier than grilling to stop sticking and improve taste.
- Pasta: I like to make use of Fusilli or Cavatappi pasta. Their twists and curves catch the French dressing and veggies fantastically. You should use your favourite pasta. In case you are gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta!
- Arugula or Chopped Spinach: Stir in simply earlier than serving for a pop of colour and freshness. Arugula provides a peppery chunk, my private favourite!
- Tomatoes: I really like utilizing halved grape or cherry tomatoes for juicy bursts of taste.
- Artichoke Hearts: Use canned or jarred (drained and quartered) for ease.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated or shaved for that salty, nutty chunk. Donβt neglect further for garnish!
- Basil French dressing: This vibrant, herby dressing brings every thing collectively.
Ideas for Making the Good Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad
- Salt your pasta water generously β It ought to style like the ocean. That is the one probability you get to season the pasta itself!
- Cook dinner the pasta al dente. Barely undercooked pasta holds up higher as soon as tossed with dressing.
- Grill veggies forward of time. Allow them to cool fully earlier than combining so that they donβt wilt the greens or soften the cheese.
- Layer in recent and grilled. The distinction between heat, smoky greens and recent elements like arugula and tomatoes provides nice texture.
- Toss with half the dressing first. Then add extra to style earlier than serving. This helps forestall sogginess.
- Donβt skip the garnish. A handful of recent basil and slightly further Parmesan go a great distance in presentation and taste.


Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad
This colourful Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad options smoky grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and pink onion tossed with tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, artichoke hearts, arugula, Parmesan, and a vibrant basil French dressing. Good for summer time gatherings or meal prep!
- 2 small zucchini
- 1 pink bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 massive pink onion
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to style
- 1 lb fusilli or cavatappi pasta, or pasta of your selection
- 3 cups arugula, or chopped spinach
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 14 oz can artichoke hearts, quartered
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Basil French dressing
- For garnish: basil leaves and parmesan cheese
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Preheat grill to medium-high warmth. In the event you donβt have a grill, you need to use a grill pan on the range.
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Minimize the ends of the zucchinis off. Minimize in half lengthwise after which minimize every half into spears. Use a pointy knife to slice down the perimeters of the pepper, chopping away the core. You must find yourself with 3 to 4 flat items. Discard the core and stem. Slice the pink onion into wedges. Place the zucchini spears, peppers, and onion on a big plate or tray. Drizzle with oil and toss till effectively coated. Season with salt and pepper.
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Place the greens on the new grill. Grill the zucchini for 3 to 4 minutes per facet, or till the zucchini is tender and there are good grill marks. Grill the peppers for five to six minutes, flipping the peppers midway via, till tender and charred. Grill the onions for 4 to five minutes per facet, or till char marks kind and the onions are tender.
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Switch the grilled greens to a chopping board and let cool to room temperature. After the greens have cooled, minimize them into items.
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In the meantime, prepare dinner the pasta. Deliver a big pot of salted water to a boil and prepare dinner till al dente, in accordance with package deal directions. Drain and rinse with chilly water.
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In a big bowl, mix the pasta, grilled veggies, arugula, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and Parmesan cheese.
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Make the basil French dressing and pour over the salad. Toss till effectively mixed. Season with salt and pepper, to style. Garnish recent basil leaves and further Parmesan cheese. Serve.
- Retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days.
- If the pasta absorbs an excessive amount of dressing, merely refresh it with a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of additional French dressing.
- Not freezer-friendly, however scrumptious chilly or at room temp!
Energy: 332kcal, Carbohydrates: 51g, Protein: 12g, Fats: 9g, Saturated Fats: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fats: 1g, Monounsaturated Fats: 2g, Ldl cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 301mg, Potassium: 449mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 1627IU, Vitamin C: 72mg, Calcium: 124mg, Iron: 2mg
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