Zucchini Pasta Salad in Lemon Dijon Dressing

This Zucchini Pasta Salad in Lemon Dijon Dressing takes about 10 minutes to put together.

Made with sliced fresh zucchini and tossed in a lemony dijon dressing, this vegan and Mediterranean diet friendly dish is perfect as a side or as a main dish.

What makes Zucchini and Pasta salad so good?

This simplicity of the recipe along with the harmonious flavors make this salad so easy to serve.

I like how easy this pasta salad is to personalize by simply adding extra ingredients such as sliced olives or tomatoes .

Have you tried Skillet Broccoli Pasta Recipe?

Made with garlic sauteed in olive oil, that simple dish is flavorful, filling, and comforting.
Both this recipe for zucchini and pasta and that recipe for broccoli and pasta are easy and great tasting recipes that can be made with pasta and vegetables.

Make this recipe gluten free by using gluten free pasta or low carb by using low carb pasta. You can find gluten free pasta here or low carb pasta here .

Why you will love this easy pasta salad recipe

This simple salad is perfect as a side dish or light main course. When served cold, this salad is easy to pull together and perfect for hot days.

Here is what else you will like about this recipe.

• The ingredients used to make this recipe are basic ingredients that you may already have on hand.
• The thinly sliced zucchini softens in the lemony dressing for a perfect marriage of textures .
• Personalize this recipe by adding sliced olives, chopped green onions, or some sweet red peppers.
• Leftovers taste even better when the flavors textures are allowed to meld together.

Ingredients you will need to make zucchini with pasta salad.

Base.

• Pasta. Short pasta such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle. Your pasta should be cooked al dente according to the directions on the packaging.
• Zucchini. Fresh zucchini that has been washed, dried, and then sliced thin (1/16 to ⅛").
• Basil. Loosely packed and shredded.

Dressing

• Olive Oil. Avocado oil can alternatively be used.
• Lemon Juice. Freshly squeezed works best.
• Dijon Mustard. You can use the dijon of your choice.
• Seasonings. Such as salt and pepper to taste.

Expert Tip 👉 Rinse your cooked pasta under cold water to help stop the cooking process and to cool it down before adding it to this recipe.

How to make Zucchini Pasta Salad in Lemon Dijon Dressing

Prep Time: 10 minutes .
Servings : 6, depending on how it is served .
How to Serve:As an appetizer, side, or main course.
Notes: This recipe is vegan, nut free, and mediterranean diets friendly .

1. Pasta. If you have not done so, cook your pasta al dente according to package directions. Once cooked, rinse and drain and then set it aside to cool while you work.
2. Ingredients. Prepare your other ingredients as indicated above. This includes slicing your zucchini and shredding your basil.
3. Dressing. In a small bowl, use a whisk to combine together your dressing ingredients. You can taste and season the dressing as desired.
4. Toss. Place your sliced zucchini into a large bowl and toss it with about half of your dressing. Then add the cooled pasta, basil, and remaining dressing to the bowl and toss again to coat all of the ingredients.
5. Serve. You can serve immediately or cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for a half hour or so for the flavors to meld together.

Tips for making the best pasta and zucchini salad.

Using bite-sized pasta will make this pasta easier to eat as it will also be coated with the dressing. I mentioned above that fusilli, penne, or farfalle are good choices.

More helpful tips for you.

1. Basic green zucchini was used to make salad. Yellow zucchini or even broccoli could work in this recipe as well.
2. When slicing your zucchini slice it into ⅛”/3mm or thinner slices (1/16”/2mm preferred). This is a great use for a mandoline slicer. The thinner you get the slices the better they will bend around the pasta and absorb the dressing.
3. Add-in ingredients that could work in this recipe include cherry tomatoes, chopped celery, or diced onion can add flavor and crunch to this recipe.

This salad should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. When properly stored, this salad should keep for up to a couple day before the pasta absorbs the dressing which can change the texture slightly.

You may also be interested in these salad recipes.

• Potato Salad in Tahini Dressing (vegan MedDiet)
• White Bean and Kale Salad
• 5 Ingredient Citrus Salad (Mediterranean Diet, Vegan)
• Green Bean and Tomato Salad
• Spinach and Berry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
• Cucumber Salad With Honey Vinaigrette