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Asparagus Pasta Salad

Asparagus Pasta Salad
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A fresh, light and flavorful Asparagus Pasta Salad that combines crisp asparagus, perfectly cooked short pasta, bright lemon vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and creamy cheese. Quick to prepare and versatile enough to serve warm or chilled, this healthy and colorful salad is perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or picnic favorite.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • Fresh asparagus stalks, trimmed

Pasta

  • Short pasta shapes (rotini, penne, or fusilli), 8 ounces

Dressing

  • Extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup
  • Fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons
  • Minced garlic, 1 clove
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Herbs and Cheese

  • Fresh basil, parsley, or dill, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan, 1/2 cup

Seasonings

  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional), a pinch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Asparagus: Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender; immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking and retain crispness.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil your choice of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent sticking while maintaining texture.
  3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together fresh lemon juice, good quality olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl to create a light, zesty vinaigrette that will dress the salad beautifully.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the pasta, asparagus, chopped fresh herbs, and cheese with the dressing, ensuring every component is evenly coated with flavor.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then give it a final toss before serving it cold or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook asparagus; blanch just until tender-crisp to preserve texture and vibrant color.
  • Choose short, ridged pasta shapes to hold onto dressing and ingredients better than smooth, long noodles.
  • Use fresh herbs, adding them last to maximize flavor and aroma.
  • Dress lightly at first, then add more as needed to avoid sogginess.
  • Chill before serving to let flavors meld and enhance the overall taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: asparagus pasta salad, easy pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, spring salad, vegetarian pasta, lemon vinaigrette pasta, quick pasta salad

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/asparagus-pasta-salad/