Macaroni Zucchini Salad
Bright, fresh, and packed with vibrant veggies, this Macaroni Zucchini Salad is the perfect chilled side dish or light main course for any occasion. Tender macaroni is combined with crisp zucchini, sweet red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and aromatic green onions, all lightly dressed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette featuring olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey. Ready in just 30 minutes, this colorful pasta salad is a delightful balance of flavors and textures, with every bite bursting with garden-fresh goodness. Whether you're prepping for a summer barbecue, picnic, or weekday lunch, this easy-to-make salad is a nutritious, crowd-pleasing option that's sure to impress. Enjoy it as-is or pair it with grilled meats for a complete meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 2 medium carrots
- 3 stalks green onions
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Cut the zucchini into thin half-moons, dice the red bell pepper, and shred the carrots. Finely chop the green onions and parsley.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled macaroni, zucchini, red bell pepper, carrots, green onions, and parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if needed.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled as a side dish or light main course. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
663 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.1 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.0 g | 35% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5132 mg | 223% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.8 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.0 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.3 g | ||
| Protein | 7.6 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 158 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 1754 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
