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Asparagus Pasta Salad

Asparagus Pasta Salad

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling and Mixing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Asparagus Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing dish featuring al dente pasta, tender asparagus, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, perfect for a side dish or a light meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water to preserve the color.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
  5. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
  6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.
  • This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 370mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: asparagus pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, vegetable pasta salad, light pasta salad, side dish