Description
Discover the perfect dish for any occasion with our Springtime Pasta Salad. This vibrant salad combines spiral pasta and an array of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and asparagus, all tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette. Not only is this recipe quick to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes—but it’s also packed with essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. With its colorful presentation and delicious flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Make-ahead friendly, this salad tastes even better after chilling in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, this pasta salad is versatile enough to suit any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb spiral pasta
- 2 tbsp sea salt (for boiling noodles)
- 1 lg English cucumber (peeled & cut into half coins)
- 3 cups tear drop tomatoes (cut in half)
- 1 can whole olives (drained)
- 3/4 cup red onion (cut into small strips)
- 1 cup mini sweet bell peppers (cut into rings)
- 5 cups broccoli florets (about 2 broccoli crowns)
- 1 bunch asparagus (ends cut off & cut into thirds)
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 3 lemons
- 3–4 lg garlic cloves (minced or crushed)
- 1 tbsp dill (dried dill)
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente.
- Blanch broccoli by draining hot pasta over it in a colander.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, and salt to create the vinaigrette.
- Boil asparagus briefly until tender; mix into the vinaigrette.
- Chop cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and olives; set aside.
- Combine cooled pasta and broccoli with vinaigrette; mix well.
- Fold in cold veggies and let rest for ten minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg