This Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad is quick and easy to make for BBQs and cookouts. It's loaded with grilled vegetables, tri colored rotini, and drizzled in honey Dijon dressing.
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Table of Contents
What Type of Pasta to Use
You can use whatever you like. I use tri-color rotini. Something like penne, spaghetti, or linguine will also work. If you are looking for low carb, check out my Keto Low Carb Pasta Salad.
Honey Dijon Dressing
The dressing for this salad is made using honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and mayo.
Dijon adds the perfect kick to a salad dressing, especially when paired with honey. You won't get bored with this one!
You can use any of your favorite salad dressings for this recipe. Here are some options:
- Italian dressing: This tangy dressing is made with vinegar, oil, herbs, and spices and is a classic choice for pasta salad. It pairs well with a variety of vegetables.
- Balsamic vinaigrette: Sweet and tangy dressing made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and herbs.
- Ranch dressing: Creamy and made with buttermilk, sour cream, and herbs.
- Caesar dressing: Savory option made with anchovies, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. .
- Lemon vinaigrette: Light and refreshing dressing is made with lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard.
How to Make Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad
- Cook the rotini in accordance with the package instructions.
- Rinse the rotini in cold water and pat dry.
- Grill or saute your vegetables or serve them fresh in the salad.
- Add the rotini to your serving dish along with the Honey Dijon dressing. Taste repeatedly and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Chill for a minimum of 1 hour. 2-3 hours is optimal.
Additional Toppings and Ideas
- Chopped Cauliflower
- Chopped Dill Pickles
- Sweet Pickle Relish
- Chicken Breast
- Shrimp
- Jalapenos
- Celery
- Green Peppers
- Creole Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
- Homemade BBQ Seasoning
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Can You Substitute Mayo?
Yes, you can sub it for additional Greek yogurt or sour cream.
How Long Can it Sit Out
It can sit out 1-2 hours. It takes about 2 hours for bacteria to start to grow to dangerous levels. In warm temperatures, that time shrinks. You can read the Food Safety Guidance from the FDA here.
Can You Make it Ahead of Time/How Long Does it Last in the Fridge
Yes, store the salad in the fridge (tightly covered) for up to 3-4 days. When the salad sits in the fridge overnight (or for several hours), the pasta will absorb a lot of the moisture and it isn't as creamy.
If you plan to make this ahead you will likely need to refresh the salad with a little mayo or Greek yogurt (or sour cream) immediately before serving.
Can You Freeze It?
You can freeze it, but I wouldn’t recommend it. In general, mayo, yogurt, and sour cream do not freeze well and usually develops ice crystals.
Pair This Dish with These Main Dishes
Air Fryer Ribs
Grilled Baby Back Ribs
Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
Air Fryer Catfish
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Instant Pot Ribs
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Chicken and Avocado Salsa
Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs
Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
How to Grill the Best Burgers
Grilled Cedar Plank Shrimp
Mushroom Swiss Burgers
Queso Burgers
Southern Chicken Spaghetti
How to Grill Chicken Wings
More Salad and Side Dish Recipes
Southern Potato Salad
Easy Spaghetti Salad
Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Southern Macaroni Salad
Southern Coleslaw
Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Southwest Salad Recipe
Get a full listing of BBQ and Cookout Recipes here.
Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- ½ cup chopped zucchini
- ½ cup chopped squash
- ¼ cup chopped red peppers
- ¼ cup chopped orange peppers
- ¼ cup sliced red onions
Honey Dijon Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon mayo
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini in accordance with the package instructions.
- Rinse the rotini in cold water and pat dry.
- Grill or saute your vegetables or serve them fresh in the salad.
- Add the rotini to your serving dish along with the remaining ingredients. Taste repeatedly and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Chill for a minimum of 1 hour. 2-3 hours is optimal.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Njkitzke says
This pasta salad is the best!! I substituted a few of the veggies, but this dressing is everything! Thanks for sharing your recipes with the world!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Amy Jones says
People... Don't sleep on this vegetable pasta salad. I have made versions of this in the past, but this is so awesome! I roasted the veggies as suggested, which was a game changer in my opinion. And that dressing!!! So easy to make and delicious! Perfect compliment to the dish!
staysnatched says
haha so glad you enjoyed it!
Coby says
Delicious! I added grilled chicken to it, and that dressing...That dressing is awesome! Great recipe!
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!