The Ultimate Summer Pasta Salad

Hey all! Hope you're ready to enjoy the holiday tomorrow!

This pasta salad is a MUST for your BBQ and pot luck needs this summer! Classic and fresh flavors of Italian dressing, fresh herbs, tomatoes, and olives. I also added in some artisan almond-based cheese for a little tang! Feel free to play around with adding your favorite toppings as well.

Enjoy, my friends! Happy 4th!

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The Ultimate Summer Pasta Salad 

Serves: 8-10 as a side

Prep Time: 15 minutes 

Cook Time: 10 minutes 

Total Time: 25 minutes 

Ingredients

1 lb. pasta of choice (I used bowties!)

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup roasted red bell pepper, diced*

1/4 cup mediterranean olives, pitted and diced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup vegan parmesan**

Fresh ground pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins: Diced vegan artisan cheese, chickpeas, additional fresh herbs, etc,

Method

Prepare the italian dressing by whisking all ingredients together in a small jar or bowl. Set aside.

Prepare pasta according to package instructions.

While pasta is cooking, prepare veggies, herbs, vegan parm, and any add-ins.

When pasta is finished cooking, allow to cool slightly. Next, toss in dressing followed by all remaining ingredients. Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving!

This is an easy one to prepare the night before. For best results, add the basil just before serving!

Enjoy!

For Italian Dressing:

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 tsp each: dried onion powder, oregano, thyme, & basil

1 tsp maple syrup

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Notes:

*You can use freshly roasted bell pepper or buy in a jar to save time! 

**Vegan Parmesan: 1 cup raw walnuts  2 TBSP nutritional yeast  1 garlic clove, minced  1/2 tsp sea salt // Blend in a small food processor until the mix resembles a rough sand.

Nutrition:

Serving Size: ~3/4-1 cup  Total Calories: 261  Total Fat: 14 g

Sodium: 224 mg  Potassium: 230 mg  Total Carbohydrate: 30 g

Fiber: 4 g  Sugar: 3 g  Protein: 8 g 

Vitamin A: 12%  Vitamin C: 13%  Calcium: 11%  Iron: 25% (Percent Daily Value)