When the spring air starts to warm, and the great outdoors calls your name, there’s no better time to plan a camping trip. Whether you’re pitching a tent in a local park or exploring distant trails, one thing is sure: food becomes an unforgettable part of the camping experience. To help you enjoy the fresh flavors of spring, try this enjoyable and easy spring camping recipe that’s perfect for your spring break getaway!
Spring Vegetable Pasta Salad
Celebrate the bounty of spring with a cold pasta salad bursting with fresh vegetables. It’s a nutritious, refreshing meal that’s just as easy to prepare at your campsite as it is to make ahead at home.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz of your favorite pasta (farfalle, penne, or rotini work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup snap peas, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
- Combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, spinach, snap peas, red bell pepper, red onion, and kalamata olives in a large bowl.
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create a simple dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Gently stir in feta cheese crumbles and fresh basil.
- Serve immediately or chill in your cooler until ready to eat.
Tips for Campsite Cooking:
- To save time, pre-cook your pasta at home and store it in a resealable container.
- You can customize this salad with any spring vegetables you love or have on hand.
- Consider adding chunks of cooked chicken or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
- Store your prepared salad in a cooler until you’re ready to serve for optimum freshness.
This light yet satisfying dish is a perfect way to enjoy the freshness of spring while you soak in the beauty of nature. The spring vegetable pasta salad is an excellent addition to your spring break camping menu and reflects the season’s spirit of renewal and growth. Enjoy your culinary creation under the canopy of budding trees, and the soundtrack of a babbling brook or chirping birds, and you’ll find that food truly does taste better in the great outdoors. Happy camping and bon appétit! Contact us today!
