Springtime Pasta Salad is an easy, light, refreshing and yet such a satisfying recipe with a simple lemon vinaigrette, olives and fresh veggies. It is the perfect make a ahead dish for company, potlucks or cold lunches during the week.

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In all my years working as a weight loss counselor I could always tell which clients were going to have success and get to where they wanted to be, or very close to their goal.

There were certain key attributes that always gave it away, such as, being willing to change behaviors, planning ahead and focusing on eating a TON of veggies.

I would always cringe when I would hear a client tell me that they hated veggies and were not going to eat them.

In the politest way I could, I would share that weight loss success is very minimal when veggies are not involved.

Sometimes I could persuade these veggie hating people to at least give them a try and others it was a flat out, “nope, not gonna do it”.

I could almost predict what I would hear from the group that would dig in their heals.

“I am so hungry!!! You don’t understand, I am so hungry that I want to eat my foot off.”

We would laugh and then come full circle back to how important those veggies are.

But let’s be honest, sometimes it is easier said then done getting in those veggies every single day.

They can get boring and labor intensive after awhile.

Some of the reasons I love this Springtime Pasta Salad is it is far from boring, I LOVE making a big bowl and to eat off of for a few days and it has never failed to be a hit at potlucks.

How to cook asparagus

Asparagus is a wonderfully versatile vegetable that can be roasted, steamed, blanched stir fried and sautéed. The thickness of the asparagus will play a large part in the cooking times but my personal preference is a medium thickness. When asparagus are too thick they can be very woody in texture. Any of the above methods will work for this recipe however my favorite is blanching. Boil your water, make sure to cut off tough ends and cut asparagus spears into 1/2’s or 1/3’s. Once water in boiling turn off heat and add asparagus. Let sit in the hot water for about 2-4 minutes, drain and add to vinaigrette.

Variations of Springtime Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Twist- Add feta cheese and Greek olives for a Mediterranean flair.
Protein-Packed- Mix in diced grilled chicken or tofu for a protein boost.
Caprese Fusion- Replace the vinaigrette with a balsamic glaze, and add fresh mozzarella and basil.
Spicy Kick- Include a chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Pesto Perfection- Substitute the vinaigrette with pesto for a flavorful alternative.
Grain Swap- Use quinoa or couscous instead of pasta for a different texture.
Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad- Use grilled squash, zucchini, peppers, and red onions instead of the raw vegetables.

Tips for Springtime Pasta Salad

This ingredient will make an even healthier version of this Springtime Pasta Salad. (affiliate)
Not as excited about the veggies choices in this Springtime Pasta Salad? No problem, mix and match your favorite veggies, just remember it will be about 12-13 cups of veggies in total.
If your not a lemon lover or are allergic to citrus, substitute your favorite vinegar in place of the lemon.
My favorite part of this recipe aside from the lemon and garlic is the dill. I am absolutely in love with Simply Organic Dill because it tastes so unbelievably fresh. (affiliate)
When making this Springtime Pasta Salad make sure to keep the cold veggies apart from the hot noodles until they have cooled down a bit. This step keeps the tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, etc. beautifully crisp.
If you have 2 perfectly ripe avocados, then they go great in this recipe. Dice them in large chunks and stir them in.
This may seem like a large amount of pasta, but trust me, if you have 3 or more hungry adults eating, it goes really fast. Plus it makes great left overs that are actually fun to eat.
I would be lost without this set and this kitchen tool as often as we make salads and pastas in my house. (affiliate)
I used Trader Joe’s Ripe Medium Green Olives. They have a wonderfully mild flavor and are a favorite at our house.
For added crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds just before serving.
Boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor and color.

One last tip that is a complete time saver. Place the broccoli florets in the colander and pour the cooked noodles over the top. It blanches them perfectly for the pasta salad and saves you about 15 mins. (affiliate)

Blanching broccoli by pouring hot noodle water over the top for Springtime Pasta Salad. — Save time by draining noodles over broccoli florets to blanch.

Love pasta? There are more Awesome pasta recipes waiting for you HERE!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

While the recipe suggests spiral pasta, you can experiment with your favorite pasta shapes, such as penne, bowtie, or even whole wheat varieties.

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. It actually tastes great chilled, making it a convenient option for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep. Just store it in the refrigerator and toss before serving.

Can I substitute fresh dill for dried dill in the vinaigrette?

You, can use fresh dill if you have it on hand. Use about three times the amount of fresh dill compared to dried dill for a similar flavor.

How long can I store leftovers of this pasta salad?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you might want to refresh it with a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving.

Can I customize the veggies in this salad?

Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. Avocado, cherry tomatoes, or artichoke hearts could make delicious additions.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this salad gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients, including the vinaigrette, are gluten-free as well.