Description
This Fresh Spring Pasta Salad Recipe is bright, zesty, and packed with tender asparagus, sweet peas, and fresh dill, all tossed in a light lemon dill vinaigrette. It’s a quick, make-ahead friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights, spring gatherings, or easy lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 ounces (340 g) fusilli or penne pasta
- 1 bunch (about 1 pound / 450 g) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 cup (150 g) fresh or frozen peas (thawed)
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
For the Lemon Dill Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9–11 minutes). Stir occasionally.
- About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the asparagus pieces to the boiling water to blanch until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Drain the pasta and asparagus together in a colander. Rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta and asparagus with peas, red onion, and chopped dill.
- Pour the lemon dill vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Rinse pasta under cold water to cool it quickly and prevent overcooking.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- If making ahead, refresh with a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving.
- Best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1½ cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg