This vibrant and refreshing Primavera Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for a quick lunch or a delightful side at your next gathering. Loaded with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 1/2 lb pasta of choice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized
- 1 1/4 cups frozen peas
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/3 cup roasted red peppers, sliced or chopped
- 1/3 cup olives, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup vegan parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 avocado, diced
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Red chili flakes, for serving
Dressing:
- 1 tbsp chives, chopped
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp white wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 1/2 lemons
- 1 tsp agave nectar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, combine the broccoli florets and frozen peas with the vegetable broth. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, then uncover and continue cooking for a couple more minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the broccoli is crisp-tender.
- Drain any remaining liquid and transfer the vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chives, dried basil, dried parsley, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, agave nectar, and olive oil until well combined.
- Combine the Salad:
- Add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, olives, and vegan parmesan cheese to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish or individual plates.
- Top each serving with diced avocado and a few lemon wedges.
- Sprinkle with red chili flakes to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator before serving if preferred.
This Primavera Pasta Salad is a colorful, zesty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the mix of fresh vegetables, pasta, and a tangy dressing that brings everything together!