By: Jessica Ivaska | July 29 2010

All that rain we get here in Seattle is good for at least one thing – growing plants. That means as summer rolls around, local farms are bursting at the seams with all sorts of delicious – and nutritious – veggies.

It would be a shame not to head down to your local farmers market, make a trip out to a farm, or dig through your CSA box to enjoy the bounty of locally grown produce all around us. One of the best ways to utilize all that local produce is by whipping up a salad.

Photo: Jessica Ivaska

This veggie-packed pasta salad highlights some of the most beloved vegetables grown in our area, marrying them together with just the right amount of pasta so that you won’t be feeling hungry a few hours later.

The addition of organic, free-range chicken adds a punch of protein, making this salad perfect as a main course for lunch or dinner. You can top it with whatever type of dressing you like, but I prefer to add even more veggie goodness by using spinach pesto.

Pasta Salad, Serves 4-6

Get the Veggie-packed pasta salad Recipe.