Best Insalata Primavera Italian Spring Salad Recipes

SPRING VEGETABLE RICE SALAD (INSALATA DI RISO)

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rice, stir, and adjust heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent any grains from sticking to the pot, until the rice is just barely done, about 15 minutes. It will continue to cook as it cools. Drain the rice well and spread it out on a tray to cool quickly.
• Bring another large pot of salted water to a boil. Holding an asparagus spear in both hands, bend the spear until it breaks naturally at the point where it becomes tough. Repeat with the remaining spears. Discard the tough ends and cut the tender part into 1/3-inch lengths. Blanch asparagus and peas together in the boiling water for 1 minute and 30 seconds, then lift out with a strainer and transfer to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool.
• Shell the fava beans, then blanch the unpeeled beans in the same boiling water for about 3 minutes. Drain, transfer them to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool. Peel the fava beans by pinching open the loose skin; the peeled bean should slip out easily.
• Put the lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice, asparagus, peas, fava beans, basil, parsley, lemon zest, ham and cheese. Toss with your hands to blend. Pour the dressing over the salad (you may not need it all) and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning.

MIXED SALAD (INSALATA MISTA)

Steps:

• Blend the basil, vinegar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper in a blender. With the machine running, gradually blend in the oil.
• Place the arugula and radicchio in a wide shallow bowl. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the carrot over the salad. Shave the cucumber into a medium bowl. Pat the cucumber shavings with paper towels to absorb the excess moisture. Add the cucumbers to the salad.
• Do-Ahead Tip: The vinaigrette and salad can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate. Whisk the dressing to blend before using.
• Toss the salad with enough dressing to coat. Season the salad, to taste, with salt and pepper, and serve.

PRIMAVERA PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until no longer hot; set aside.
• To make the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, milk, sour cream, parsley, chives, mint, lemon zest and juice, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 2 tablespoons Parmesan in a small bowl. Set aside. Before tossing, splash in more milk if needed for thinning.
• In a large bowl, combine the pasta, broccoli, tomatoes, peas, asparagus, carrots and leeks. Pour over the dressing and toss to coat. Top with the remaining tablespoon of Parmesan and some black pepper. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

PASTA PRIMAVERA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
• While pasta cooks, place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add asparagus, cover, and steam until tender-crisp, 2 to 6 minutes. Drain pasta and asparagus and chill until ready to use, at least 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, dip mix, and Italian dressing mix in a bowl.
• Assemble chilled rotini, asparagus, ham, romaine, cucumber, and avocado in a large bowl. Top with mayonnaise dressing mixture and toss. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

SPRING PRIMAVERA

Steps:

• Cook pasta as directed on package; drain.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add asparagus, pepper, carrots, garlic, and herb seasoning to oil; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until tender-crisp.
• Remove from heat; stir in pasta and cheese.
• Serve hot.