Spring Picnic Pasta: The EASIEST Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Spring picnic pasta is the perfect dish to welcome warmer weather and sun filled days. This vibrant pasta salad is bursting with fresh spring flavors, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings. Taking inspiration from my grandmother’s simple yet satisfying meals, this spring picnic pasta recipe is all about using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create something truly special.

The idea for this originated after a recent trip to the farmers market. I was immediately inspired by the colors and textures of the spring produce – the bright green asparagus, the juicy red tomatoes, and the aromatic basil. I knew I had to transform these ingredients into a delicious and easy to transport pasta salad, perfect for a picnic! This spring picnic pasta is my ode to fresh flavors and carefree days.

Why You Will Love This spring picnic pasta Recipe

This spring picnic pasta recipe is a celebration of simplicity and deliciousness. It’s incredibly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight, and the flavors are both vibrant and comforting. It’s a crowd pleaser, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick lunch.

What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of fresh, seasonal ingredients combined with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The pasta is perfectly cooked al dente, the vegetables are crisp and flavorful, and the vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Plus, it travels well, making it ideal for any outdoor adventure. We made it a few days ago and it was delicious! Be sure to try my other recipes too such as, Spring Picnic Pasta 2, Spring Picnic Pasta 3, and Spring Baking Pasta.

Ingredients Needed for This spring picnic pasta Recipe

• Pasta:

* 1 pound pasta (rotini or penne work well)

• Vegetables:

* 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces * 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved * 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced * 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped * 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved

• Vinaigrette:

* 1/4 cup olive oil * 3 tablespoons lemon juice * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard * Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional:

* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese * 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

How to Make This spring picnic pasta Recipe

1. 1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.

1. 2. Blanch the Asparagus: While the pasta is cooking, blanch the asparagus. Add the asparagus to the boiling water for 1 minute, then immediately transfer to an ice bath. This will keep the asparagus crisp and vibrant green.

1. 3. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

1. 4. Combine Ingredients: Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched asparagus, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped basil, and Kalamata olives.

1. 5. Dress the Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure every piece of pasta and vegetable is nicely covered in the dressing.

1. 6. Chill (Optional): For best flavor, chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

1. 7. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts (if using). Then enjoy!

How to Serve This spring picnic pasta Recipe

This spring picnic pasta salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. It’s delicious on its own as a light lunch or side dish.

For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It also makes a great addition to a picnic basket alongside sandwiches, fruit, and a refreshing beverage. Garnish with extra fresh basil for a pop of color.

How to Store This spring picnic pasta Recipe

This pasta salad stores well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigeration Instructions: Store the spring picnic pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Guidelines: Freezing is not recommended as the pasta and vegetables may become mushy.
• Reheating Tips: No need to reheat! This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
• Shelf Life Information: This pasta salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. After that, the pasta may start to become soft, and the vegetables may lose their crispness.

Tips to Make This spring picnic pasta Recipe

Here are a few tips to help you make the best spring picnic pasta salad:

• Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or zucchini based on your preferences.
• Success Tips: Don’t overcook the pasta or vegetables. It is important for everything to be crisp and al dente.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid using too much dressing, as this can make the salad soggy. Start with a smaller amount and then add more to your personal preference.
• Pro Tips for Best Results: Use high quality olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Follow us on Pinterest for more tips and tricks!

Helpful Notes for This spring picnic pasta Recipe

A few extra clarifications for this delicious recipe:

• Pasta Details: Rotini or penne are excellent choices because their shape helps to hold the dressing. But feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
• Ingredient Details: Kalamata olives have a rich, briny flavor that complements the fresh vegetables and lemon vinaigrette.
• Equipment Recommendations: A large pot for cooking the pasta, a small bowl for mixing the vinaigrette, and a large bowl for combining the ingredients.

Variation of This spring picnic pasta Recipe

Let’s consider some variations of the recipe:

• Seasonal Twists: Add different seasonal vegetables based on availability. Try corn in summer or roasted butternut squash in fall.
• Optional Versions: Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
• Creative Modifications: Experiment with different herbs such as dill, parsley, or mint for a unique twist.

Conclusion

This spring picnic pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace the flavors of the season and create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you’re planning a picnic in the park or simply looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, this pasta salad is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a taste of spring! Let me know what you think of this spring picnic pasta once you give the recipe a try.

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