Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Welcome to a delightful Mediterranean Pasta Salad, a vibrant dish that celebrates the freshness and flavors of the season. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a vibrant potluck contribution, this Pasta Primavera Salad is a celebration of the bountiful produce nature has to offer. Get ready to savor every forkful and experience the joy of this vibrant and delicious salad.
Ingredients
12 ounces pasta (any shape)
1 bundle of asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 package dry vegetable soup mix
1 cup low-fat unsalted salad dressing (mayonnaise type)
1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese
3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Drain the pasta well.
- Cook the asparagus until they are just tender. Drain them and allow them to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked asparagus, cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, envelope of soup mix, and salad dressing. Mix everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
- Top the pasta salad with the sliced eggs and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad until you're ready to serve it. This will help chill and meld the flavors together.
- When it's time to serve, simply remove the pasta salad from the refrigerator and enjoy!
Notes
Choose fresh and ripe tomatoes: Select tomatoes that are firm, ripe, and bursting with flavor. Cherry tomatoes work well in this salad due to their small size and vibrant taste.
Adjust the dressing quantity: Add the salad dressing gradually and adjust the amount according to your taste preference. You can add more if you prefer a creamier salad or reduce the amount if you prefer a lighter dressing.
Customize with additional vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the salad based on your preferences. Some great options include sliced cucumbers, snap peas, or thinly sliced red onions.
Season with herbs and spices: In addition to parsley, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or dill to further enhance the flavors of the salad. Consider adding a pinch of dried herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zest.
Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese just before serving to add a salty and nutty flavor to the salad. This adds an extra layer of richness to the dish.
Let the salad chill before serving: Allowing the Pasta Primavera Salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors marry and the salad to become more refreshing.
Make it ahead of time: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Enjoy leftovers creatively: Leftover Pasta Primavera Salad can be a versatile ingredient. You can use it as a filling for wraps, stuff it into pita bread, or serve it as a side with grilled chicken or fish.
Nutrition Detail
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per container
Serving size 1/6 of recipe
| Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories |
365 |
|
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 6 g | 9 % | |
| Saturated Fat 2 g | 10 % | |
| Trans Fat O g | ||
| Cholesterol 88 mg | 29 % | |
| Sodium 558 mg | 24 % | |
| Total Carbohydrate 88 mg | 29 % | |
| Dietary Fiber 5 g | 17 % | |
| Total Sugars 8 g | ||
| includes 1 g Added Sugards | 2 % | |
| Protein 16 g | ||
| Vitamin D 1 mcg | 5 % | |
| Calcium 120 mg | 9 % | |
| Iron 3 mg | 17 % | |
| Potassium 249 mg | 5 % | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much of a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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