Primavera Pasta Salad
A vibrant, fresh Primavera Pasta Salad packed with colorful vegetables, herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches, picnics, or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 c. cooked tricolor rotini
- 2 c. fresh broccoli florets ⓘ
- 3/4 c. cubed part-skim Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 c. cucumber slices, peeled, seeded and halved ⓘ
- 3/4 c. red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 c. purple onion, diced ⓘ
- 6 small cherry tomatoes, quartered ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. green onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. dried whole oregano
- 1 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the cooked pasta, broccoli florets, mozzarella cheese, cucumber slices, red bell pepper, purple onion, cherry tomatoes, green onion, parsley, and basil in a large bowl, tossing gently.
- In a jar, combine the white wine vinegar, pepper, oregano, dry mustard, and minced garlic. Cover lightly and shake vigorously to mix.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture.
- Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Let stand at room temperature for one hour to blend flavors, then cover and chill for another hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant twist, consider adding diced avocado or substituting the mozzarella with feta cheese for a tangy flavor. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save you prep time. Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or asparagus, to make this a versatile addition to your Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. Serve it alongside crusty bread or as a side dish to a light protein. It also complements other refreshing dishes like Mediterranean Salad or Tomato-Onion Salad, making it ideal for potlucks or BBQs.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover primavera pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To refresh the flavors, consider adding a splash of olive oil or vinegar before serving. Avoid reheating as this dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Primavera Pasta Salad contains roughly 721 calories, with 29g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (164% of the Daily Value), and calcium (139% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1226mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day ahead. Just keep the vinaigrette separate until you're ready to serve for optimal freshness. Once the vinaigrette is added, allow the salad to sit for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
What can I substitute for white wine vinegar?
If you don't have white wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute. Both will provide a nice acidity that complements the other ingredients well. Adjust the amount to taste, especially if using lemon juice.
Is this primavera pasta salad gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the tricolor rotini with gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available in stores today that maintain a similar texture and flavor, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).