Description
A light and colorful pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables and flavors that celebrate spring.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz Dried Pasta (Choose any shape you love.)
- 2 cups Asparagus (Peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces.)
- 1 cup Frozen Peas (Sweet and colorful.)
- 1 can Cooked Chickpeas (Drained.)
- 1 cup Marinated Artichoke Hearts (Drained.)
- 1/2 cup Red Onion (Finely diced.)
- 1/4 cup Scallions (Diced.)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Basil (Chopped.)
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard (Or vegan mayo for a creamier twist.)
- 1 clove Garlic (Minced.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 cup Toasted Pine Nuts (Optional.)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the dried pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the asparagus. Place the peeled and cut asparagus into a pot of boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. You want them to be tender but still bright green. Drain and rinse under cold water to keep their vibrant color.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, asparagus, frozen peas, chickpeas, marinated artichoke hearts, red onion, scallions, and fresh basil. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients together.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix well to coat all the ingredients evenly. If desired, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for added flavor and crunch. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best taste.
Notes
This pasta salad can last in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. Add more olive oil and lemon juice when serving if the pasta has soaked up the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg