Spring is a beautiful time of the year, with blooming flowers, sunshine, and the sense of renewal in the air. It’s the perfect season to indulge in fresh, vibrant flavors, and that’s where my delightful Spring Pasta Salad comes in. I remember the first time I made this salad for a picnic with friends. Everyone kept demanding seconds! The blend of pasta, fresh peas, and juicy cherry tomatoes just bursts with seasonal spirit. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll think you were transported to a sun-drenched Italian terrace, surrounded by laughter and good company.
Why you’ll love this recipe
So what makes this Spring Pasta Salad truly shine? First and foremost, it’s the simplicity. You don’t need to be a culinary wizard to whip this up; anyone can achieve tasty results with just a handful of fresh ingredients. Think about it—who wouldn’t want to enjoy a dish that celebrates the best of the season with bright colors and refreshing flavors?
This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for a gathering, it can easily adapt to your mood and what’s in your fridge. Plus, it’s loaded with nutritional gems—the peas provide a pop of protein, while the feta adds a tangy flavor that complements the salad beautifully.
Oh, and did I mention it’s a dish that gets better with time? Make it ahead for meal prep, and you’ll save precious minutes during your busy week while still enjoying a wholesome meal. Honestly, the hardest part is not finishing it all in one sitting!
Gather these ingredients
- 8 oz pasta: Choose any type you love—farfalle, penne, or rotini add a nice touch of texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider whole-grain or gluten-free pasta for a guilt-free indulgence.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These little gems are sweet and juicy. You can also use grape tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand! And don’t shy away from mixing colors—yellow or orange tomatoes can amp up the visual appeal.
- 1 cup fresh peas: Fresh peas are like little green jewels of spring, bursting with sweetness. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen peas will do in a pinch—just make sure to thaw and drain them first.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: The creamy, salty feta is a game-changer here. If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese can be lovely substitutes.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It makes a world of difference and adds a luscious touch.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled will work in a hurry. This brightens up the entire salad and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A little seasoning goes a long way! Remember, you can always add more later, so start light!
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley): Not just a garnish! These herbs infuse the salad with an aromatic freshness. Don’t have basil? Fresh mint or cilantro can bring an unexpected twist.
Preparing Spring Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well, then let it cool completely. I like running it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent stickiness.
- Mix the salad: In a grand-sized bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh peas, and crumbled feta. Think of this step as the moment you marry all the vibrant elements of spring into one hearty embrace.
- Whisk together the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until they form a harmonious blend. A little drizzle will go a long way!
- Combine and toss: Pour that luscious dressing over your pasta mixture and toss it all to combine. This is where the magic happens—every bite needs to be bursting with flavor!
- Garnish: Finally, sprinkle on your fresh herbs just before serving. They add a wonderful fragrance and color. Voila! Your Spring Pasta Salad is ready to impress!
Best way to enjoy it
Serve this gorgeous salad chilled or at room temperature! It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal, or keep it as a light, refreshing dish all on its own. You can also enjoy it at summer picnics, barbecues, or even a cozy weeknight dinner.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding roasted veggies or olives for some extra depth. And trust me, this salad makes excellent leftovers, so don’t hesitate to prepare a little extra. You’ll thank yourself later when lunch is ready in mere moments!
How to store and freeze food
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a great scenario), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. Just remember, the herbs may wilt a bit, but the flavors will still be on point!
Freezing this salad isn’t advisable, as the pasta and veggies tend to lose their texture upon thawing. Instead, keep it cool in the fridge and enjoy that fresh flavor over a few days!
Pro chef tips
- Timing: Make your pasta a day in advance and toss everything together just before serving. The flavors will marry beautifully overnight!
- Extra zing: If you want to kick things up a notch, add some red pepper flakes for a little heat. It plays wonderfully against the feta’s creaminess.
- Vegan option: Swap out the feta for diced avocado or a dairy-free cheese, and you’ve got a delicious vegan dish in a pinch!
Creative twists
Don’t hesitate to sprinkle your salad with toasted nuts for a satisfying crunch or swap the peas for blanched asparagus or artichokes if you’re craving something different. Feeling adventurous? Consider adding a spoonful of pesto for an herby, nutty intensity that’ll take this dish to another level. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—let your creativity shine!
Ingredients list
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley) for garnish
Step-by-step instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, peas, and feta.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Garnish with herbs before serving.
Your questions answered
- How long does it take to make? About 20 minutes of active prep!
- Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely! It still tastes great the next day.
- What can I serve it with? Grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread.
- Can I use different pasta? Yes! Any shape you love will work wonders.
- Is this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set!
There you have it! A Spring Pasta Salad that’s not just a delight for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes. I encourage you to dive in, make it your own, and put a spin on it as you explore those flavors. It’s all about enhancing your cooking journey and sharing these creations with loved ones. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out—drop me a note in the comments, and let’s keep the culinary conversation going!
Fresh Spring Pasta Salad
Description
This vibrant Spring Pasta Salad combines fresh peas, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta, creating a dish that celebrates the season's flavors. Perfect for picnics, gatherings, or as a quick meal prep option, this salad is simple yet bursting with taste.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool it completely.Running the pasta under cold water helps stop the cooking process. -
Mix the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, fresh peas, and crumbled feta. -
Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. -
Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.Ensure every bite is flavorful! -
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh herbs just before serving.Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 10mg4%
- Sodium 500mg21%
- Potassium 300mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 10g20%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 30 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
