Celebrate the season with these light and refreshing pasta dish, perfect for Spring:

Spring Garden Pasta

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (your choice)
  
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  
• 1 cup fresh peas
  
• 1 zucchini, sliced
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1/4 cup olive oil
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
• Fresh basil for garnish
  
• Grated Parmesan cheese
  

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
  
• Add cherry tomatoes, peas, and zucchini to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender.
  
• Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper.
  
• Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan before serving.

Signature Pasta Salad for Spring 🍃

Ingredients:

• Tri-color pasta (about 8 oz)
• Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (1 cup)
• Artichoke hearts, chopped (1 cup)
• Olives (black or green), sliced (1/2 cup)
• Red onion, thinly sliced (optional, 1/4 cup)
• Cucumber, diced (1/2 cup)
• Carrots, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
• Pepperoncinis, sliced (1/4 cup)
• Feta cheese or mozzarella, crumbled (1/2 cup)
• Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup)
• Salami, sliced (optional, 1/2 cup)
• Ken's Italian Dressing (1/2 cup, adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions:

• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tri-color pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
• Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the artichoke hearts, carrots, slice the olives, red onion (if using), cucumber, and pepperoncinis.
• Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables: cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, red onion (if using), cucumber, carrots, and pepperoncinis.
• Add Cheeses and Salami (optional): Add crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and sliced salami (if using) to the bowl with the pasta and vegetables.
• Dress the Salad: Pour Ken's Italian Dressing over the pasta salad ingredients. Start with about 1/2 cup and adjust to your taste preference. Gently toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing. Top with basil (optional).
• Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!

These pasta dishes are great for picnics, potlucks, or as whole entrees to enjoy any time of day. You can also customize it by adding other ingredients like fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) or additional vegetables according to your taste. Enjoy your meals and Happy Spring! 🌷