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If you haven’t yet tried Marinated Tomatoes, you are missing out on one of my favorite summer foods. Bite size tomatoes are marinated in a combination of oil, vinegar and spices with just the right amount of sweetness.
I’ve always liked tomatoes, but these are irresistible!
I find myself snacking on them all afternoon, as they marinate on the counter and in the refrigerator. Those tomatoes along with their marinade are the dressing for this salad.
The pasta and vegetables absorb all of that delicious marinade and the flavors are wonderful together.
Pasta salads are a great main dish or side dish all summer long. I love having a bowl ready to go in the refrigerator for busier days and the nights when I just don’t feel like cooking.
I’ve found myself making pasta salad almost every week for a while now. Here are a few of our favorites:
Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Basil and Spinach
Balsamic Mozzarella and Tomato Pasta Salad
Tangy Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Olives
If you’re looking for even more cool summer salad inspiration, this collection of Easy Summer Salad Recipes can all be made in ten minutes or less!
Marinated Vegetable Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces salad macaroni
- 1 cup tiny broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup small diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup marinated tomatoes
- 1 cup marinade liquid
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper adjust to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding a generous tablespoon or so of kosher salt to the water as it cooks. Just before the noodles are done cooking, add the broccoli to the pot. Let the broccoli boil for about 30 seconds and then drain everything into a large colander. Rinse well with cold water.
- Place the drained pasta, broccoli, cucumber, bell peppers, onion, tomatoes, and marinade liquid in a large bowl. Toss well to coat thoroughly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, stir again and taste. Adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to eat. Stir again before serving. Enjoy!
ONE YEAR AGO TODAY: Pineapple and Coconut Baked Oatmeal
TWO YEARS AGO TODAY: BBQ Chicken and Caramelized Onion Enchiladas
THREE YEARS AGO TODAY: Whole Wheat Crepes with Berries
I just love pasta salads! Adding this one to my collection….Pinning it!! Thanks!!
Perfect timing! My CSA is giving me lots of vegetables right now!
Looks delicious Mary, pinning and sharing!
MMM mmm GOOD! I could eat this sort of thing everyday for lunch. and dinner, and a bed time snack!
Looks and sounds great!! I see red onions in yours but they are not listed?
Thank you
oops! I accidentally listed green instead of red onions in the recipe. Thanks for catching that!
I used the green onion, lol it's FABULOUS! !!!
Thank you for sharing!
I tend to use red and green onions almost interchangeably in salads. I've made this one both ways, which is why my notes didn't match the photo! I'm glad you liked it so much. (Those tomatoes are crazy good, aren't they?)
I made this a week or so ago. It was a BIG hit with the Hubs. We are not wild about mayo-style macaroni salads but this sure hits the spot! Much lighter and you can add all the veggies that you want. Thumbs UP!
I made this a few days ago. Perfectly delicious just the way it is. I do prefer a creamy dressing, so for my left overs i stirred in a bit of mayo, just enough to moisten. Loved it that way too.
This looks delicious! Where did you find the pasta cut like that? Does it have a special name? Thanks – can't wait to try this!
The pasta I buy is actually called "salad macaroni" they're just little round pasta noodles.
Ditalini
How do you make the Marinade for this salad. What all goes into it? The veggies I see but the marinade I don't see what all y
you use.
If you click the link for the marinated tomatoes, you'll see the marinade there. I hope that helps!
Did you use white or regular balsamic vinegar. I usually use regular but am thinking the pasta will take on a dark hue.
I use both at different times. Traditional balsamic doesn't change the pasta color that much. Enjoy!
Do you just use the marinade drained off the tomatoes, or do you make another batch of marinade?
Yes, just use the marinade from the tomatoes. Enjoy!
What is the marinade liquid?
What do you mean by marinated tomatoes?
Here is the link for the marinated tomatoes: https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/marinated-tomatoes/
Hi Mary, your recipe looks delicious….I will definitely try it. 🙂
May I ask where are you from? I am from PA and my father was a Younkin also. Not a name you see often.
My husband is from the Pacific Northwest. You’re right that you don’t see the name Younkin very often!