Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad (Printable Version)
Bright pasta salad with tender asparagus, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs. Perfect for spring gatherings and ready in 30 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta & Vegetables
01 - 8 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
02 - 10 oz fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
→ Dressing
05 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
06 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
08 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
09 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
→ Fresh & Finishing
12 - 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
13 - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)
# How-To:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the asparagus to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain pasta and asparagus together and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
03 - Add drained pasta and asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the lemon dressing.
04 - Stir in fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve at room temperature or chilled, garnished with grated parmesan if desired.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The bright lemon dressing wakes up everything it touches and somehow tastes even better after sitting for an hour
- You can prep the entire thing in advance and it actually improves as the flavors mingle
02 -
- Rinsing the pasta stops the cooking process but do not overdo it or the dressing will not stick properly
- The salad absorbs dressing as it sits so always save a little extra to refresh right before serving
03 -
- Cut your asparagus on a diagonal into longer pieces for an elegant restaurant style presentation
- Grate a little extra lemon zest over the top just before serving for a fresh burst of aroma