Print

Fresh Cold Pasta Primavera Lunch Jars Easy Wholesome Meal Recipe

fresh cold pasta primavera lunch jars - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy cold pasta primavera recipe perfect for wholesome, portable lunch jars. Fresh veggies, light vinaigrette, and herbs make this meal vibrant and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) fusilli or rotini pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or parsley or mint)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (9-11 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Let drain thoroughly for about 5 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, rinse and prep all vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, trim and halve snap peas, thinly slice bell pepper, dice zucchini, shred carrots, and slice red onion if using.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, and 1 minced garlic clove. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust flavor as desired.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with all prepared vegetables. Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat evenly without overmixing.
  5. Fold in chopped fresh basil (or chosen herbs), grated Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts or almonds.
  6. Layer the pasta primavera mixture into glass jars or containers, leaving space at the top for shaking or stirring. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, shake or stir the jar contents. If dry, drizzle extra olive oil or lemon juice. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent mushiness. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Toast nuts for added aroma and crunch. Add cheese and nuts just before serving if prepping ahead to keep textures fresh. Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta or spiralized veggies. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: cold pasta primavera, lunch jars, easy pasta salad, wholesome meal, portable lunch, healthy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, make-ahead lunch

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/fresh-cold-pasta-primavera-lunch-jars-easy-wholesome-meal-recipe/