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Asparagus Pasta Salad

Asparagus Pasta Salad

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, artichoke hearts, green onions, capers, spinach, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, basil, dill, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. 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