Easy Vegetarian Pasta Salads

An Italian pasta salad is always a popular choice to bring to a vegetarian picnic, potluck or barbecue, and is a popular choice, even amongst omnivores! I like a classic pasta salad loaded with vegetables such as diced broccoli, crunchy red bell peppers and black olives. For a super quick and easy pasta salad, just toss together some Italian salad dressing or a basic vinaigrette with some cooked pasta and veggies and voila! Pasta salad really is that easy! For a classier touch, you can always garnish with pine nuts and Parmesan cheese, or a soy cheese substitute, and serve on a bed of lettuce. Using fresh rather than canned olives, or adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes or capers can also add a gourmet touch to your quick and easy pasta salad. Here are a few vegetarian pasta salad recipes to try:

• Fat-Free Vegan Pasta Salad Recipe
• Vegan Asparagus Pasta Salad
• Fresh Apricot Pasta Salad (pictured)
• Classic Italian Pasta Salad
• Avocado and Veggie Pasta Salad
• Easy Artichoke Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs
• More Vegetarian Pasta Recipes

Photo courtesy the California Fresh Apricot Council