Farmers Market Pasta Salad

Name: Farmers Market Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces of penne pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced (any color); 1/4 red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple & Tasty Meals

I love creating this Farmers Market Pasta Salad, especially during the summer months, when fresh produce is abundant. The vibrant colors and flavors of seasonal vegetables truly shine in this dish, making it a delightful option for picnics or barbecues. Combining fresh tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fragrant basil with perfectly cooked pasta creates a refreshing dish that everyone will enjoy. I often serve it as a side or a light main course, and it never fails to impress my family and friends with its freshness and ease of preparation.

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-02-05T16:45:28.551Z

Every summer, I look forward to visiting local farmers markets, where the produce is ripe and bursting with flavor. I found inspiration for this pasta salad after picking up an assortment of colorful vegetables that practically begged to be tossed together. The trick to this dish is using high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs, which elevate the flavors and make each bite a delicious experience.

I've tried numerous variations, but the combination of al dente pasta with a medley of cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes creates a satisfying crunch. Adding a splash of lemon juice not only ties everything together but also keeps the salad light and refreshing on hot days. Don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite veggies!

What You'll Love About This Pasta Salad
Vibrant and colorful, making meals visually appealing
Light and refreshing, perfect for hot weather
Easy to customize with seasonal vegetables

Choosing the Right Pasta

While penne pasta is a fantastic choice for this salad thanks to its tubular shape that holds onto the dressing, feel free to experiment with other pasta varieties. Fusilli or rotini also work beautifully, adding a fun twist to the texture. Just ensure that whatever pasta you choose cooks to al dente for the perfect bite. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the fresh vegetables.

Another great tip is to consider whole grain or gluten-free pasta alternatives if you're looking for a healthier option. Both options maintain the structure of pasta while adding additional fiber or accommodating dietary restrictions. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as these specialty pastas can vary significantly.

Vegetable Variations

The beauty of this Farmers Market Pasta Salad lies in its versatility. If you have access to seasonal vegetables or a specific garden bounty, don’t hesitate to substitute or add ingredients. Zucchini, cherry bell peppers, or even blanched asparagus spears can enhance the salad's fresh appeal. Roasted vegetables can also lend a different flavor profile – just roast them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.

Be mindful of the moisture content in your vegetables, especially cucumbers and tomatoes, as they may release water into the dish. To counteract this, you can lightly salt the cucumbers, letting them sit for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This technique helps reduce excess moisture and keeps your salad crisp and refreshing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Farmers Market Pasta Salad is ideal for meal prep! You can make it a day ahead, allowing the flavors to develop in the fridge. Just remember to add the fresh basil right before serving to keep it vibrant and green. If you're worried about the pasta absorbing too much dressing overnight, consider reserving a tablespoon of the olive oil and lemon juice to add just before serving.

For storage, keep the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will last for 3-4 days. If you notice it drying out, simply stir in a bit more olive oil to revive the dish. While I love this pasta salad fresh, even after a few days, the mingling flavors create a delightful experience.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your pasta salad amazing:

Ingredients

8 ounces of penne pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix these ingredients well for a delicious salad experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your pasta salad:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta to the bowl of vegetables. Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until well mixed.

Add Fresh Herbs

Gently fold in the fresh basil, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Serve

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Enjoy your fresh and colorful pasta salad!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more filling option. This salad also stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions

This Farmers Market Pasta Salad is wonderfully flexible. It can serve as a side dish at a summer barbecue or a light main course with a side of crusty bread. For added protein, consider tossing in some grilled chicken or chickpeas, making it filling enough for a weekday lunch.

For an elegant touch, consider serving the salad in a hollowed-out cucumber or bell pepper. This not only elevates the presentation but also adds an extra crunch that complements the other textures. Pairing it with a chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade enhances the overall experience.

Flavor Enhancements

To elevate the flavors, you could experiment with different herbs such as mint, parsley, or even dill, which could give a fresh twist. Adding crumbled feta or mozzarella balls can intensify the creaminess and add a burst of flavor. Be cautious with the salt when incorporating cheese, as it can elevate the dish's sodium content quite quickly.

You might also consider a splash of balsamic vinegar or a touch of pesto for a unique flavor profile. When using pesto, I suggest reducing the olive oil in the original recipe since pesto is already oil-based. These adjustments can transform the basic pasta salad into something quite gourmet while maintaining its simplicity.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape will work well, such as farfalle or fusilli.

→ How can I make this salad vegan?

This recipe is already vegan, but you can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include veggies like zucchini, asparagus, or artichoke hearts based on your preference.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just keep it chilled in the refrigerator and stir before serving.