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Easy Pasta Salad Primavera

Name: Easy Pasta Salad Primavera
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini pasta; 2 cups cherry tomatoes; 2 medium bell peppers; 1 medium zucchini; 0.5 medium red onion; 8 ounces mozzarella cheese; 0.5 cup black olives; 0.25 cup fresh basil; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley; 0.5 cup olive oil; 0.25 cup red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic cloves; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese

Discover the perfect blend of rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers in this tender italian lunch. The prepared technique develops deep, tender flavors throughout. Try it once and you'll understand why it's so beloved.

Total Time

27min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Time Breakdown

Prep:15min

Cook:12min

Cuisine:

Italian

Meal Type:

Lunch

Tags:

Kid Friendly Pasta Salad Vegetarian Make Ahead Italian Lunch Colorful

Ingredients (6 servings)

1 poundrotini pasta
2 cupscherry tomatoes
halved
2 mediumbell peppers
diced (red and yellow)
1 mediumzucchini
diced
1/2 mediumred onion
finely diced
8 ouncesmozzarella cheese
cubed
1/2 cupblack olives
sliced
1/4 cupfresh basil
chopped
2 tablespoonsfresh parsley
chopped
1/2 cupolive oil
1/4 cupred wine vinegar
2 tablespoonslemon juice
fresh
1 teaspoonDijon mustard
2 clovesgarlic cloves
minced
1 teaspoondried oregano
1 teaspoonsalt
1/2 teaspoonblack pepper
1/2 cupParmesan cheese
grated, for serving

Instructions

1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
12min
2
While pasta cooks, prepare vegetables: halve tomatoes, dice peppers and zucchini, and finely dice red onion.
8min
3
Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3min
4
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, mozzarella cubes, and black olives.
3min
5
Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly.
2min
6
Add fresh basil and parsley, toss gently to combine.
1min
7
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled, topped with Parmesan cheese.
30min

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about making Easy Pasta Salad Primavera

How long does it take to make Easy Pasta Salad Primavera?

This Easy Pasta Salad Primavera recipe takes approximately 27 minutes total, with 15 minutes of prep time and 12 minutes of cooking time.

How many servings does this Easy Pasta Salad Primavera recipe make?

This recipe serves 6 people. You can easily scale the ingredients up or down to serve more or fewer people.

Is this Easy Pasta Salad Primavera recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes! This Easy Pasta Salad Primavera recipe is rated as easy and perfect for beginners. The instructions are straightforward and don't require advanced cooking techniques.

What makes this Easy Pasta Salad Primavera authentic italian?

This Easy Pasta Salad Primavera recipe uses traditional italian ingredients and cooking methods to deliver authentic flavors that represent the essence of italian cuisine.

Can I make Easy Pasta Salad Primavera ahead of time?

Yes, Easy Pasta Salad Primavera can be prepared ahead of time. You can prep ingredients in advance or make the full recipe and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

How should I store leftover Easy Pasta Salad Primavera?

Store leftover Easy Pasta Salad Primavera in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I substitute ingredients in this Easy Pasta Salad Primavera recipe?

Yes, many ingredients in Easy Pasta Salad Primavera can be substituted based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Common substitutions work well, but may slightly alter the final taste and texture.

What kitchen equipment do I need to make Easy Pasta Salad Primavera?

To make Easy Pasta Salad Primavera, you'll need basic kitchen equipment like mixing bowls, measuring cups, and standard cookware. No special equipment is required unless specified in the recipe instructions.

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