California Primavera: A Healthy Pasta Dish Bursting with Fresh Flavors

California Primavera is a light and refreshing pasta dish that combines the vibrant flavors of seasonal vegetables with a zesty lemon herb dressing. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthy and delicious meal that showcases the bountiful produce of California. With its colorful array of vegetables and tangy dressing, it's a surefire way to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling light and energized. This easy-to-make recipe is a great option for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole wheat linguine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced
• 1 medium yellow squash, halved and sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the linguine according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes and peas to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together until well coated.
7. Serve the California Primavera hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Enjoy!

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