This refreshing Cold Pasta Primavera recipe is packed with vibrant vegetables and tossed with a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for a light and flavorful summer meal, this dish can be prepared in just 15 minutes. Serve it as a main course or a side dish for a delightful dining experience.
Course Pasta
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Servings 8
Author N. J. Sorensen, RDN
Ingredients
1each red and green bell peppers — julienned
8each asparagus spears — cut on bias1/2″
1 ½cupsbroccoli flowerets
4each carrots — cut on bias1/2″
½poundsnow peas — cleaned
3each cherry tomatoes — halved
½cupparmesan cheese
2tablespoonspine nuts — roasted
4each romaine lettuce leaves
12each basil leaves — fresh
1jar artichoke hearts — marinated
6ouncesItalian salad dressing
1 ½poundspastabow tie — cooked
1tablespoonolive oil
1/8cupsalt
2gallonswater
Instructions
In a large saucepan, bring half of the water, salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for approximately 12 minutes, stirring frequently, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander placed in the sink and rinse it with cold water until it cools down. Let the pasta drain and transfer it to a medium bowl. Gently mix in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside.
In another large saucepan, bring the remaining water and salt to a boil. Prepare the vegetables by cutting them, except for the artichoke hearts. Place the vegetables in the boiling water and blanch for about 3 minutes, or until al dente. Remove the vegetables from the water and shock them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the vegetables and combine them with the pasta, along with the artichoke hearts. Pour 8 ounces of Italian dressing over the ingredients and mix well.
Wash and trim the romaine lettuce leaves. Place them on a large serving platter. Top the lettuce with Parmesan cheese and roasted pine nuts. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Serve the Cold Pasta Primavera on the platter and enjoy this vibrant and refreshing dish.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the seasoning and dressing quantity according to your taste preferences.