If you are looking for a dish that bursts with fresh flavors, bright colors, and the unmistakable vibrancy of the season, this Springtime Vegetable Pasta Salad is your new go-to. It is the perfect way to celebrate springtime’s bounty with tender asparagus, crisp peas, peppery radishes, and fragrant herbs all tossed with hearty rotini pasta and a zesty lemon dressing. This salad is as delicious as it is beautiful, making it an ideal centerpiece for casual lunches, picnics, or potlucks. Once you try this Springtime Vegetable Pasta Salad, you’ll be hooked on its delightful balance of textures and sunshine-filled taste.

Springtime Vegetable Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Springtime Vegetable Pasta Salad lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient has a clear purpose: from the chewy yet springy rotini pasta to the crisp vegetables and herby lemon dressing that tie all the flavors together beautifully.

Rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the dressing and veggies perfectly for each bite to be flavorful.
Asparagus: Adds tender crunch and a bright, green freshness that screams springtime.
Frozen spring peas: Sweet and tender, they provide a lovely pop of texture and color.
English cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, helping to lighten up the salad with its cool bite.
Radishes: Their slight peppery crunch adds a wonderful contrast to the softer ingredients.
Fresh dill: Offers a delicate, grassy aroma that deepens the herbal notes.
Lemon thyme leaves: Bring a subtle citrusy earthiness that complements the lemon juice perfectly.
Fresh sage leaves: Lend a gentle, savory warmth to balance the bright flavors.
Lemon juice: Provides a zesty tang that brightens and lifts the entire dish.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds smooth richness and helps marry all the flavors together harmoniously.
Coarse salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient without overpowering them.

How to Make Springtime Vegetable Pasta Salad

Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking one pound of rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to rinse the pasta under cold water once cooked; this stops the cooking process immediately, prevents stickiness, and ensures your pasta salad stays nice and refreshing.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, bring four cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the trimmed asparagus and blanch it for about three minutes until tender but still vibrant green. Immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water for one minute to lock in that color and crispness. Afterward, pat the asparagus dry and slice it into one-inch pieces. Then, simply thaw your frozen peas and get your cucumber and radishes sliced and ready to go.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the asparagus, spring peas, cucumber, radishes, and minced fresh herbs including dill, lemon thyme, and sage. Drizzle over the lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, then season generously with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper. Toss everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated in the bright, herby dressing.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

For the best flavor, cover the salad and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve. This resting time allows the vibrant ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a perfectly balanced Springtime Vegetable Pasta Salad bursting with fresh tastes.

How to Serve Springtime Vegetable Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Elevate the presentation by sprinkling a few fresh dill sprigs or extra lemon thyme leaves on top right before serving. A light dusting of cracked black pepper also adds a nice finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of light mains like grilled chicken, herb-marinated fish, or even a simple frittata. Its bright flavors and vegetable-packed goodness complement protein dishes without weighing down your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching touch, try serving individual portions in small mason jars or colorful bowls. You can also toss in a handful of toasted pine nuts or shaved Parmesan for a delightful extra crunch and umami hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Springtime Vegetable Pasta Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to marry, so leftovers can be even tastier the next day.

Freezing

We don’t recommend freezing this salad as the fresh vegetables and herbs lose their texture and brightness once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

Reheating

This pasta salad is designed to be served cold, so skip reheating. Simply give it a gentle stir after taking it out of the fridge to refresh the dressing and flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding the dressing and veggies, penne, farfalle, or fusilli would all work well in this salad too.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

Yes, this Springtime Vegetable Pasta Salad is naturally vegan, relying on fresh vegetables, herbs, and olive oil for flavor instead of any animal products.

Can I substitute the fresh herbs?

Definitely. If you don’t have lemon thyme or sage, try substituting with fresh basil or parsley for a different but equally delicious herbal note.

How far ahead can I prepare this salad?

You can prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it chilled until serving, which makes it a convenient option for parties or busy weeknights.

Is it okay to add cheese?

If you enjoy cheese, crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan add a lovely salty dimension, making the salad even more satisfying.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a fresh, vibrant salad that celebrates the best tastes of the season. This Springtime Vegetable Pasta Salad is a true favorite — a delightful mix of texture, color, and bright, herbal notes that will bring sunshine to any table. I hope you give it a try soon and discover how effortlessly this dish can become a staple for your spring and summer gatherings.

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Springtime Vegetable Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Springtime Vegetable Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for warm weather gatherings. It features al dente rotini pasta tossed with tender asparagus, sweet spring peas, crisp cucumber, and peppery radishes, all enhanced with fragrant fresh herbs and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Light, colorful, and full of garden-fresh flavors, this salad makes a delicious side or a light main meal.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain thoroughly. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Asparagus: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the trimmed asparagus and boil for about 3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to halt cooking and preserve its vibrant color. After 1 minute, pat the asparagus dry with paper towels and slice into 1-inch pieces.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, blanched asparagus, thawed spring peas, sliced cucumber, radishes, fresh dill, lemon thyme leaves, and sage leaves. Drizzle with lemon juice and 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Toss everything gently until well combined.
Season and Chill: Season the salad with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix once more and cover the salad. Place it in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh herbs such as dill, lemon thyme, and sage rather than dried.
If fresh asparagus is not in season, blanch frozen asparagus tips as an alternative.
Adjust olive oil quantity to your preferred dressing consistency and taste.
This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling and Tossing
Cuisine: American