Pasta House Company Salad Recipe

Vegetarian Pasta House Company Salad Recipe

This Vegetarian Pasta House Company Salad is inspired by the classic salads served at Pasta House, featuring a mix of fresh vegetables, cheese, and a tangy dressing. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, or spring mix)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup cucumber (diced)
• 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 cup bell peppers (diced)
• 1 cup cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
• 1/2 cup black olives (sliced)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (cubed or shredded, or use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or use nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative)

For the Dressing:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Prepare the Dressing:

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine the Salad Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, cooked pasta, black olives, and mozzarella cheese.

Dress the Salad:

• Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Add Cheese:

• If using Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, sprinkle it over the salad and toss again.

Serve:

• Serve immediately as a refreshing main dish or side salad.

Tips

• Feel free to customize with other vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
• This salad can be made ahead of time; just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
• For added protein, consider including chickpeas or grilled tofu.

Creative Vegetarian Salad Recipes with Crunchy Texture

Crunchy Broccoli Salad

• Ingredients: Fresh broccoli florets, shredded carrots, red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.
• Dressing: Made with vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This salad is perfect for summer picnics and potlucks, offering a delightful crunch from the vegetables and seeds [2].

Crunchy Vegetable Salad

• Ingredients: Lettuce, thinly sliced carrots, blanched snow peas, Persian cucumbers, and radishes.
• Dressing: Use a creamy dressing or vinaigrette. This salad combines a variety of textures and flavors for a refreshing dish [5].

Roasted Vegetable Salad with Coconut Lime Dressing

• Ingredients: Roasted kumara (sweet potato), pumpkin, parsnip, baby carrots, and red onion.
• Dressing: A creamy coconut yogurt dressing mixed with lime juice and chili for a spicy kick. This salad is hearty and packed with flavor [3].

How to Make a Vegetarian Salad That Stays Fresh for Days

To keep your vegetarian salad fresh for several days:

• Use hearty greens: Choose sturdier greens like kale or romaine that can withstand dressing without wilting.
• Store dressing separately: Keep the dressing in a separate container until you’re ready to eat to prevent sogginess.
• Add ingredients gradually: Layer ingredients starting with grains or beans at the bottom and greens on top when storing.

Vegetarian Salad Recipes with Bold and Tangy Dressing

Chopped Broccoli Crunch Salad

• This salad features a tangy dressing made from sunflower seed butter, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar that complements the crunchy vegetables beautifully [4].

Crunchy Green Salad

• Tossed in a sweet and tangy vinaigrette made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, and garlic for a flavorful punch [1].

Incorporating Roasted Vegetables into a Vegetarian Salad

• Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: Combine roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots with cooked quinoa. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for added flavor.
• Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad: Toss roasted beets with arugula, goat cheese (or vegan cheese), walnuts, and a citrus vinaigrette.

Vegetarian Salad Recipes That Include Fresh Fruits

Mixed Greens with Fresh Fruits:

• Combine mixed greens with sliced strawberries, blueberries, nuts (like pecans), and feta cheese. Drizzle with a honey-lime vinaigrette.

Nectarine and Cucumber Salad:

• Mix nectarines or peaches with cucumber slices, radishes, and mint leaves. Dress lightly with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing summer salad [5].

These recipes provide a variety of textures and flavors while keeping your salads interesting and satisfying! Enjoy experimenting with these ideas!

This Vegetarian Pasta House Company Salad is colorful, nutritious, and perfect for any meal! Enjoy!

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