Fresh Spring Pasta Salad
A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad packed with asparagus, peas, and a zesty lemon dill vinaigrette, perfect for springtime meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces fusilli or penne pasta Use your preferred pasta type.
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch pieces About 1 pound or 450 grams.
- 1 cup fresh or thawed peas
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion Optional.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill Can substitute with dried dill.
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice From about 1 large lemon.
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper To taste.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta and Asparagus
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 9–11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, trim woody ends off the asparagus and cut into 1.5-inch pieces. When the pasta has about 3 minutes left, add the asparagus pieces to the boiling water. Blanch until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Drain the pasta and asparagus together in a colander. Immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta salad base. Drain well to prevent a watery salad.
Making Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified and slightly thickened.
Combining Salad
- In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta and asparagus with peas, diced red onion, and chopped fresh dill.
- Pour the lemon dill vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- For best flavor, let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days; avoid adding dressings until ready to serve for best freshness. Enjoy with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.