Description
Asparagus Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish with tender asparagus, pasta, and a tangy lemon-Dijon dressing. Perfect for spring lunches, picnics, or sides.
Ingredients
8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
1 lb (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Blanch asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Cool in ice water.
3. Combine pasta, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion in a large bowl.
4. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper; pour over salad and toss gently.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
6. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
Substitute Parmesan with feta or goat cheese.
Add toasted nuts for extra crunch.
Do not freeze; best served cold or room temperature.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT15M
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg