Zucchini Pasta Salad (Fresh & Easy with Parmesan Dressing)
This zucchini pasta salad is fresh, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Roasted zucchini rounds and tender pasta are tossed with a creamy parmesan dressing for a dish that works as a side or a main. Serve it warm, chilled, or pack it up for picnics and BBQs.
6 servings
Calories: 424kcal
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 3 medium zucchinis cut into 1 ¼-inch rounds
- 1 lb 450 g short pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
- 1 –2 tbsp olive oil for roasting zucchini
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the parmesan dressing:
- 60 g about 1 cup loosely packed freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large garlic clove or 2 small
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 tsp warm water
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
Roast the zucchini
- Toss zucchini rounds with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, or roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes until golden and caramelized.
Cook the pasta
- While zucchini roasts, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Make the parmesan dressing
- In a blender, combine parmesan, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, vinegar, warm water, and Dijon mustard.
- Blend until smooth, creamy, and emulsified.
Assemble the salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted zucchini, and parmesan dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve
- Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
Make-ahead: Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Add a splash of extra dressing or olive oil before serving.
Vegetarian option: Use rennet-free or plant-based parmesan.
Other veggies: Roasted cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or asparagus work beautifully.
Serving idea: Pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or chickpeas for added protein.
Nutrition
Calories: 424kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 565mg | Potassium: 638mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 561IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 159mg | Iron: 2mg