Description
A fresh, zesty Asparagus Pasta Salad made with vibrant spring vegetables, parmesan, and a herby lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch, picnic dish, or easy side.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400 g short pasta (Torchiette, Farfalle, Fusilli, or Rigatoni)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 bunch asparagus (500 g), sliced on the bias into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced with a mandoline
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 x 310 g jar artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and coarsely chopped
- Generous handful baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
- 40 g parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 30 g pine nuts, lightly toasted
For the dressing:
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the asparagus, zucchini, and garlic for 3–4 minutes, or until just tender. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, artichoke hearts, green onions, capers, spinach, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, basil, dill, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, topped with extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare this pasta salad a few hours ahead—just keep it chilled and toss before serving.
- Make it vegan by omitting parmesan or using a dairy-free alternative.
- Marinated artichokes add extra flavor, but plain ones work well too.
- Leftovers keep well for 2–3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg