By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 2, 2026
Serves 10
130 cal · 135 min
Zesty Pasta Primavera Salad
Recipe GLPR6b36b3a7327944
A vibrant whole grain pasta salad loaded with fresh crisp vegetables, tossed in a bright lemon and herb vinaigrette. This make-ahead salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners. The flavors meld beautifully as it chills, making it even more delicious the next day.
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Ingredients
2 cups whole grain rotini pasta, uncooked
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups cucumber, chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup carrots, sliced into thin rounds
1/4 cup red onion, minced
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before beginning food preparation.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole grain rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes until well combined and emulsified.
Add the cooled cooked pasta to the dressing along with the chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced carrots, minced red onion, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Toss all ingredients together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend and develop. Stir gently before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Comments
This is an honest, accessible recipe that delivers on its name without asking for an exotic ingredient run—all items are stocked at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Walmart, and ALDI. The 135-minute stated time is misleading: pasta cooks in 10 minutes and vegetables need about 10 minutes to chop and combine, leaving you with a bloated figure that accounts for chilling time, which is optional if you want to eat the same evening. At roughly $1.25 to $1.50 per serving (whole grain pasta and fresh summer vegetables), this is a solid budget choice that reheats well as a lunch container and feeds a family or a crowd without fussiness. North Carolina's local cherry tomatoes and carrots peak in summer, making this seasonal and relevant to the region.
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