Enjoy a burst of fresh and tangy flavor with this super easy and vibrant spring pasta salad! The combination of al dente pasta and crunchy veggies is a delicious way to use springtime produce. Perfect for meal prep!
Why I Love This Recipe
As the weather FINALLY starts to get warmer, I find myself gravitating towards lighter and fresher meals. But with farmers markets not quite in full swing yet, I turn to my trusty recipe for spring pasta salad!
It’s the perfect way to use up any ripe and sweet produce you find at the grocery store, like cherry tomatoes and crispy cucumbers, while satisfying your craving for fresh springtime flavor! And with a vibrant vinaigrette to tie it all together, each bite is a burst of fresh and tangy goodness.
I also love how perfect this spring pasta salad recipe is for meal prep! Cook up a big batch, store in the fridge, and enjoy super yummy lunches or dinners all week long.
Ready to learn how to make easy spring pasta salad? Just boil your pasta, chop your cucumbers and tomatoes, whisk together a quick vinaigrette, and toss it all together. Seriously, it’s so simple! Let it all chill and you’ll have a delicious meal that’s perfect for spring.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Spring Pasta Salad
Two teaspoons may seem like a lot of salt, but trust me! This salad needs plenty of salt to feel well seasoned and delicious. I promise, it won’t taste too salty.
For the dressing, I love using the end of a jar of pickled jalapenos or pepperoncini. It’s a great way to make sure all that flavorful liquid doesn’t go to waste! Of course, if you don’t have either option available, regular vinegar will work just fine.
Want to add a little bulk for a nice and hearty meal? My go-to move is adding pasta salad to some fresh lettuce and then topping it off with grilled chicken. Pro tip: marinade the chicken in a half cup of the dressing before grilling so the flavors really carry through in every bite.
Variations for Springtime Pasta Salad
One of the best things about spring pasta salad is how versatile it is. You can use any type of pasta you have on hand and switch up the veggies depending on what’s in season. I love tossing in some crunchy bell peppers and red onions for an extra pop of flavor and texture!
Parsley is always easy to find, but any fresh herbs will work in this salad. Cilantro, dill, or basil are tasty ways to add a new twist on the flavor.
Don’t want to make your own dressing? Anything you have on hand will work just fine, although I do recommend using a vinegar-based dressing.
Personally, I adore fresh mozzarella in pasta salad because of the neutral flavor. However, if you’re in the mood for something a little more sharp, don’t hold back! I sometimes use an aged gouda, which adds amazing brightness. Plus I love the crystalized bites it brings to this dish!
What to Serve with Fresh Pasta Salad
- Buffalo Citrus Shrimp — Add some protein to your plate with spicy, tangy shrimp cooked on the grill.
- Cheesy Chicken Cutlets — On rainy spring days, tender chicken coated in breadcrumbs will warm you right up.
- Grilled Pesto Chicken Meatballs & Sauce — When you’re in a snacky mood, juicy meatballs served with pasta salad always hits the spot!
- Weeknight Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu — This comforting but light dish is a great way to round-out a springtime meal spread!
How to Store Spring Pasta Salad
Like I mentioned earlier, I adore using this recipe for meal prep. The flavors get even deeper the longer they chill in the refrigerator, so it seriously tastes better by the day!
You want to let the pasta cool to room temperature before mixing it with the rest of the ingredients. That way, when you transfer everything to an airtight container, you won’t have a bunch of condensation that could make the pasta soggy.
Store your pasta salad covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 4-6 days. It’s best served chilled, so you can eat it straight from the fridge whenever you need a snack or quick meal!
Other Delicious Warm Weather Recipes
Grilled Scallops with a Citrus Caper Chimichurri
New Mexico Green Chile Cheeseburgers
Spring Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
Enjoy a burst of fresh and tangy flavor with this super easy and vibrant spring pasta salad! The combination of al dente pasta and crunchy veggies is a delicious way to use springtime produce. Perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
Spring Pasta Salad
1 pound pasta, shape of your choice
1 cup sliced cucumbers
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
8 oz mozzarella pearls
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tsp salt
½ cup My Italian vinaigrette
My Italian Vinaigrette
½ jar of leftover pickled jalapeno or pepperoncini vinegar, red wine vinegar also works
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp nutritional yeast or grated parmesan cheese
½ tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tbsp honey or agave
½ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to the package instructions in salted water.
- Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta and allow it to cool.
- Combine the pasta with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve chilled. Store in the refrigerator for 4-6 days for maximum freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 356
- Sugar: 4.8
- Sodium: 230
- Fat: 11.6
- Saturated Fat: 5.6
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 46.6
- Fiber: 2.8
- Protein: 9.5
- Cholesterol: 20.2
Find it online: https://thatswhatsheeats.com/spring-pasta-salad/