We didn’t have a pool when I was a kid but my aunt had a friend who did. We spent many summer days splashing inside and lounging poolside. My aunt always brought a huge round Tupperware of pasta salad – raw chopped veggies, sliced olives and rotini tossed with Newman’s Own Italian dressing. Simple but delicious. I still think of that salad today whenever I’m at a pool party. It’s synonymous with summer living and pool fun for me.

A poolside pasta salad is easy breezy for summer fun. I fancied things up in this Italian Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad that takes things back to my Italian roots. I roasted the vegetables to pack a powerhouse of flavor into the pasta without adding in a heavy or greasy dressing. Except for roasting the vegetables, the rest of this recipe comes together quickly. And it’s portable and can sit out for a bit without worry so you can have your poolside fun in between bites!

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Italian Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings 10 people

Ingredients

• 1 cup baby bell peppers chopped
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives
• 1 can artichoke hearts in water drained and sliced in half
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 10 cloves garlic
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp Italian herb seasoning
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 package orecchiette pasta
• 1 can white beans drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup dairy-free mozzarella cheese (such as Follow Your Heart) cubed
• 3 Tbsp balsamic or red wine vinegar
• 1 cup basil sliced in chiffonnade

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and set a pot of salted water to boil.

2. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet and spread peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves on top.

3. Drizzle the vegetables with the olive oil and sprinkle with the Italian herbs, garlic powder and salt. Roast for 30 minutes.

4. While the vegetables roast, add the pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions. Drain and add to a large serving bowl.

5. When vegetables are cooked, add them to the bowl with the pasta. Stir in the white beans and cheese.

6. Toss with the vinegar and fresh basil.

7. Serve at room temperature or store in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

What’s your favorite food to eat poolside? Tell me in the comments below!