Fresh & Colorful Spring Pasta Salad – Light, Vibrant & Perfect for Any Occasion!
Celebrate the flavors of the season with this Fresh & Colorful Spring Pasta Salad! Packed with crisp veggies, tender pasta, and tossed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette, this vibrant dish is everything you love about spring in one refreshing bowl.
It’s light, satisfying, and bursting with color, crunch, and garden-fresh goodness.
Whether you’re hosting a picnic, prepping for a brunch, or looking for a bright and healthy lunch, this salad is sure to impress. Bonus? It’s easy to make ahead and customizable!
Why You’ll Love This Spring Pasta Salad
🌸 Bright and beautiful, loaded with seasonal veggies
🍋 Zesty and fresh, thanks to a lemon-herb vinaigrette
🍝 Light but filling, perfect for warmer weather
🥗 Great for picnics, potlucks, and meal prep
🌱 Vegetarian-friendly and easily made gluten-free
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz short pasta (like farfalle, rotini, or penne)
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup sugar snap peas or green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup radishes, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: baby spinach, arugula, or fresh basil
For the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Spring Pasta Salad
1️⃣ Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. In the last 2 minutes, add asparagus and sugar snap peas to blanch. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2️⃣ Prep the veggies: While the pasta cools, prep the tomatoes, radishes, onion, and herbs.
3️⃣ Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, lemon zest, mustard, garlic, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4️⃣ Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, blanched veggies, fresh veggies, and cheese if using. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat.
5️⃣ Chill or serve: Let it chill for 15–30 minutes for the best flavor, or serve immediately for ultra-fresh results!
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
🥑 Add sliced avocado or cubes of mozzarella for creaminess
🫘 Toss in some chickpeas or white beans for extra protein
🥬 Mix in baby kale or spinach for a green boost
🫒 Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist
🥓 Top with crisp bacon or grilled chicken for a heartier version
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
✔ Use al dente pasta so it doesn’t get mushy when chilled
✔ Rinse pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it quickly
✔ Add delicate greens (like spinach or arugula) right before serving
✔ Taste and adjust seasoning before serving—lemon juice and salt can mellow over time
Storage
📦 Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
🍋 Stir before serving and refresh with a splash of lemon juice or olive oil if needed
🌡️ Best served chilled or at room temperature
Final Thoughts
This Fresh & Colorful Spring Pasta Salad is like sunshine in a bowl—perfectly crisp, bright, and refreshing.
It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and ideal for everything from a light lunch to a party side dish. One bite and you’ll fall in love with the flavors of the season. 🌸🍋🥗
