Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into a vibrant culinary experience with this irresistible Lemony Spring Pasta Salad! Imagine a dish that captures the essence of spring in every single bite - crisp asparagus, sweet peas, and juicy cherry tomatoes dancing together in a zesty lemon dressing. This isn't just a recipe; it's a celebration of seasonal flavors that will instantly brighten your day and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and chop into 1-inch pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and measure out the peas.
- During the last 2-3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the chopped asparagus and peas to the boiling water to blanch them briefly, maintaining their bright color and crisp texture.
- Drain the pasta and vegetables in a colander, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the ingredients. This helps prevent overcooking and preserves the vegetables' vibrant color.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to create a bright, zesty dressing.
- Add the cooled pasta and vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving. The salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's the secret to perfectly seasoned pasta from the inside out.
- Don't overcook your vegetables! The key is to maintain their bright color and crisp texture by blanching briefly.
- Rinsing pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and helps prevent a mushy texture.
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Feel free to customize by adding protein like grilled chicken or feta cheese for extra richness.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant, zingy flavor - bottled juice just can't compare!
- For best results, serve the salad cold or at room temperature to preserve the fresh, light taste of the spring vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
