Fresh Spring Pasta Salad Recipe with Asparagus and Lemon Dill Vinaigrette
Fresh Spring Pasta Salad Recipe with Asparagus and Lemon Dill Vinaigrette is a vibrant, refreshing dish that embodies the spirit of spring. This delightful salad combines al dente pasta with tender asparagus and crisp peas, all tossed in a bright lemon dill vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or as a light weeknight meal, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also versatile. It can be served as a stand-alone dish or paired with your favorite grilled proteins for a satisfying meal. Bursting with flavor and color, this pasta salad is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces fusilli or penne pasta
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh or thawed peas
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (9–11 minutes).
- Add asparagus for the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- In a jar, whisk together dressing ingredients until emulsified.
- Toss cooled pasta and asparagus with peas, red onion, and dill.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Let sit for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg