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Explore the vibrant world of flavors with our Creamy Pasta Primavera Salad. This delightful dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious powerhouse packed with colorful vegetables and creamy goodness. Perfect for warm weather, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish, this recipe is easy to prepare and promises to impress with its fresh ingredients and wholesome taste. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating this delightful salad, offering insights into each step along the way.

Creamy Pasta Primavera Salad

Discover the delicious and colorful Creamy Pasta Primavera Salad that’s perfect for any occasion. This vibrant dish highlights seasonal vegetables and creamy perfection, making it a nutritious powerhouse. Ideal for warm outings or potlucks, this simple recipe is a feast for the senses. With its fresh ingredients and satisfying flavors, it's sure to impress. Get ready to elevate your salad game and indulge in a fresh culinary delight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) rotini or fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 bell pepper (you can choose red, yellow, or orange), diced

1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons

1 cup broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup carrots, julienned or thinly sliced

1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed

1 cup corn (can be fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the cooled pasta aside.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, take time to wash and chop all your vegetables according to the ingredient list. If you prefer a softer texture for the broccoli and carrots, consider lightly steaming them. Steam for about 3-4 minutes until they are just tender but still bright and crisp.

      Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and fully blended.

        Combine All Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, sliced zucchini, broccoli florets, carrots, thawed peas, corn, chopped red onion, and baby spinach. Drizzle the creamy dressing generously over the top.

          Toss Gently: Using a pair of tongs or a large spoon, gently toss all ingredients together. Aim to coat the pasta and vegetables evenly with the delicious dressing, being careful not to break the vegetables.

            Add Cheese: After tossing, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad. Mix again gently to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dish. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

              Chill and Serve: For optimum flavor, cover and refrigerate the creamy pasta primavera salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to marry beautifully. Serve the salad either chilled or at room temperature, garnished with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you like.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 50 min | 6 servings