Looking for a light, refreshing, and healthy salad? Look no further than pasta primavera salad! This classic Italian dish is packed with fresh, seasonal vegetables and tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It’s perfect for a summer cookout or as a simple weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Pasta primavera is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your own taste. You can add or remove vegetables, change up the dressing, or even add some cooked protein. So whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat-lover, there’s a pasta primavera salad for everyone.
To make the perfect pasta primavera salad, start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The vegetables should be crisp and colorful, and the pasta should be al dente. The dressing should be well-balanced, with a good balance of acidity and sweetness.
Pasta Primavera Salad Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (such as penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped snow peas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup vinaigrette dressing
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large bowl
How to Make Pasta Primavera Salad
1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the green bell pepper, red bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli, carrots, and snow peas to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the basil, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and vinaigrette dressing. Cook until the pasta is heated through, about 2 minutes.
5. Serve the pasta primavera salad warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Possible Variations
To make a vegan pasta primavera salad, omit the Parmesan cheese.
To make a gluten-free pasta primavera salad, use gluten-free pasta.
To add some protein to your pasta primavera salad, add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
You can also add other vegetables to your pasta primavera salad, such as asparagus, artichoke hearts, or mushrooms.
If you don’t have any vinaigrette dressing on hand, you can make your own by whisking together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.