Primavera Salad with Creamy Garlic Sauce – The Best Easy & Healthy Recipe!

Name: Primavera Salad with Creamy Garlic Sauce – The Best Easy & Healthy Recipe!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 Oz pasta (or quinoa); 1 Cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cucumber, sliced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 Cup broccoli florets; 1/2 Cup Greek yogurt; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 Tbsp lemon juice; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard; Salt & pepper to taste

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🌿 Introduction

Looking for a fresh, vibrant, and healthy salad that’s bursting with flavor? This Primavera Salad with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the answer! Packed with crisp seasonal veggies, tender pasta (optional), and a luscious homemade garlic dressing, it’s the perfect light lunch, side dish, or meal prep superstar.

Unlike traditional pasta-heavy versions, this recipe keeps things balanced, nutritious, and irresistibly delicious. Plus, the garlic sauce adds a rich, savory kick that makes every bite unforgettable.

Why you’ll love this recipe:
✅ Ready in 20 minutes – Quick & easy!
✅ Customizable – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or keep it vegan.
✅ Meal-prep friendly – Stays fresh for days!

🥗 Ingredients You’ll Need for Primavera Salad with Garlic Sauce

(Serves 4-6)

For the Primavera Salad:

8 oz pasta (or substitute with quinoa for gluten-free)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cucumber, sliced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
¼ cup black olives (optional)
½ cup feta or parmesan cheese (optional)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayo for richer taste)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)

(Pro Tip: For extra creaminess, blend the sauce in a food processor!)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta (or Grain Alternative)

Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. (Skip if using quinoa or greens!)

2. Chop & Prep the Veggies

Dice all vegetables uniformly for the best texture.

3. Make the Garlic Sauce

Whisk together yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine pasta, veggies, and sauce. Toss gently.
Top with cheese and fresh herbs.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

Best served chilled, but delicious right away!

Healthy pasta primavera salad with colorful vegetables and garlic yogurt dressing." — Ready in 20 minutes—perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch! 🥗

💡 Chef Andrew’s Expert Tips

✔ Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better after 1-2 hours in the fridge!
✔ Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
✔ Low-carb swap: Use zucchini noodles or skip pasta entirely.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (For Featured Snippets!)

What is primavera sauce made of?

Traditional primavera sauce is a light, veggie-packed sauce made with olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs (like basil or parsley), lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. In this recipe, we elevate it with a creamy garlic sauce using Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard for extra tang.

What is a primavera salad?

A primavera salad is a fresh, vibrant dish inspired by pasta primavera, but lighter! It typically includes seasonal vegetables (like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli) tossed with pasta or greens, and a zesty dressing. Our version features a creamy garlic sauce for richness.

What is the Primavera made of?

“Primavera” means “spring” in Italian, so this dish celebrates seasonal veggies. Our salad includes:
Base: Pasta (or quinoa for gluten-free).
Veggies: Bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, broccoli.
Dressing: Creamy garlic sauce (yogurt, garlic, lemon, olive oil).

What is in primavera?

Classic primavera dishes include:
✅ Pasta or grains.
✅ Fresh spring vegetables (asparagus, peas, zucchini).
✅ Light sauce (oil-based or creamy, like our garlic dressing).

What is Italian primavera?*

Italian primavera refers to spring-inspired dishes featuring fresh, seasonal produce. Unlike heavy pasta dishes, it’s light and veggie-forward. Our salad keeps this tradition alive with a modern twist—creamy garlic sauce!