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+ servings
Fresh Spring Pasta Salad

Fresh Spring Pasta Salad for a Zesty Seasonal Celebration

A vibrant and easy-to-make Fresh Spring Pasta Salad that celebrates the flavors of spring with asparagus and lemon dill vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Fusilli or penne pasta Use either type for a hearty base.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 bunch Fresh asparagus Blanched briefly to keep its vibrant color.
  • 1 cup Sweet peas Substitutable with blanched green beans if desired.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil Provides richness to the vinaigrette.
  • 1 whole Lemon Juice of one freshly squeezed lemon.
  • 2-3 tablespoons Fresh dill Chopped; dried dill can be used as a substitute.
  • Salt & Pepper To taste.
Optional Add-ins
  • 1/2 cup Feta or Goat cheese Crumbled, adds creamy goodness.
  • 1 cup Grilled chicken or chickpeas Adds protein for a more filling option.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • serving bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Blanch the fresh asparagus in boiling water for 2-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Transfer to an ice bath to cool.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  4. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, blanched asparagus, and peas. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
  5. Let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with feta or goat cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Customize the salad by adding grilled chicken or swapping out vegetables as desired. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

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