Primavera Pasta Salad

 

Primavera Pasta Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Delight

Primavera Pasta Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that embodies the essence of spring and summer. Packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a light dressing, this salad is not only visually appealing but also a delight to the taste buds. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a healthy family dinner. Here’s how to make this colorful and delicious salad.

Ingredients

Pasta:

• 12 oz rotini pasta (or any pasta of your choice)

Vegetables:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), chopped
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cucumbers, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:

• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps in cooling the pasta quickly for the salad.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

1. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the broccoli into small florets, dice the bell pepper, slice the black olives, finely chop the red onion, chop the cucumbers, and shred the carrots.

3. Make the Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, bell pepper, black olives, red onion, cucumbers, carrots, and fresh basil.
2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

5. Add Cheese (Optional):

1. If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the salad. Toss gently to mix.

6. Chill and Serve:

1. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Tips for Success

• Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest vegetables you can find for the best flavor and crunch.
• Pasta Choice: Rotini is great for holding the dressing and ingredients, but feel free to use any pasta shape you like.
• Chilling: Allowing the salad to chill before serving enhances the flavors, making it more delicious.
• Customization: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.

Conclusion

Primavera Pasta Salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that celebrates the freshness of vegetables. Its bright colors and bold flavors make it a standout addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes in this refreshing recipe!