Fresh Spring Asparagus Pasta Salad Recipe: Zingy & Light

Summers burst with vibrant flavors when you whip up this delightful asparagus pasta salad that brings crisp vegetables and tender pasta together.

Fresh green asparagus spears dance through light, zesty noodles creating a refreshing meal.

Tender pasta captures bright seasonings and subtle herb notes perfectly.

Each forkful promises a delicious blend of textures and colors that sing of seasonal freshness.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with elegant simplicity, making it a go-to dish for quick lunches or relaxed gatherings.

Serve chilled and watch as friends and family savor every delectable bite of this colorful, nutritious salad.

Reasons to Love Asparagus Pasta Salad

• This pasta salad transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that impresses without requiring professional cooking skills.
• Easily swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, making it a versatile recipe for picky eaters or adventurous food lovers.
• Loaded with fresh vegetables like asparagus and peas, this recipe delivers a protein-packed, vegetable-rich meal that supports healthy eating goals.
• Prepare ahead and store in the refrigerator, perfect for busy professionals, students, or anyone wanting delicious ready-to-eat meals throughout the week.

Must-Have Ingredients for Asparagus Pasta Salad

• Pasta: A core component that provides the foundation for this refreshing salad.
• Asparagus: A seasonal vegetable that adds a crisp and green element to the dish.
• Frozen Peas: A sweet and tender vegetable that complements the asparagus perfectly.

• Ricotta: A creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich base for the dressing.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps blend the dressing ingredients together.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provide a bright, citrusy flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Garlic: Offers a subtle, aromatic punch to the dressing.
• Salt: Helps balance and elevate the flavors of the entire dish.

• Radishes, Parsley, Dill: Fresh herbs and vegetables that add color, texture, and a burst of fresh flavor to the pasta salad.
• Pepper: An optional seasoning to adjust the final taste of the dish.

Tools to Prep and Mix Asparagus Pasta Salad

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta and blanching vegetables.
• Small pot: Perfect for preparing blanched vegetables.
• Large bowl: Needed for mixing salad ingredients and creating ice bath.
• Small bowl or jar: Ideal for whisking dressing ingredients together.
• Colander: Used for draining pasta and vegetables.
• Cutting board: Required for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Chef's knife: Necessary for slicing asparagus, radishes, and herbs.
• Whisk: Great for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of ingredients.
• Tongs or large spoon: Useful for tossing and mixing salad components.

How to Toss Together Asparagus Pasta Salad

Step 1: Craft the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, blend ricotta, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt.

Whisk until the mixture becomes silky smooth and well combined.

Set the dressing aside while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Vegetables

• Thoroughly wash asparagus
• Trim off the tough ends
• Slice into 1-inch pieces
• Wash radishes
• Cut in half
• Thinly slice into bite-sized pieces

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Add pasta and cook following package instructions until perfectly al dente.

Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and cool down.

Ensure pasta is well-drained.

Step 4: Blanch Vegetable Medley

Set up a large bowl with ice water nearby.

Boil a small pot of water, add sliced asparagus, and cook for 2 minutes.

Toss in frozen peas and continue cooking for 1 additional minute until vegetables are tender yet vibrantly green.

Quickly drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking.

Drain thoroughly and gently pat dry.

Step 5: Assemble the Flavor Explosion

• Cooled pasta
• Blanched asparagus
• Blanched peas
• Sliced radishes
• Chopped parsley
• Fresh dill

Pour the lemon ricotta dressing over the ingredients and toss gently, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional olive oil, salt, or pepper as desired.

Step 6: Serve and Store

Enjoy the pasta salad immediately at room temperature or chilled.

This dish keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it an ideal meal prep option.

Tips for a Fresh, Crunchy Asparagus Pasta Salad

• Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring a crisp texture.
• Quickly transfer vegetables to ice water after boiling to maintain vibrant color and prevent overcooking.
• Whisk ricotta dressing thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy consistency that coats ingredients evenly.
• Keep salad in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop over time.
• Swap ingredients like adding grilled chicken or switching herbs to match your taste preferences.

Ideas to Switch Up Your Pasta Salad Bowl

• Vegan Veggie Pasta Delight: Replace ricotta with silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast for creamy, dairy-free dressing. Swap regular pasta with gluten-free chickpea or lentil pasta for added protein and dietary flexibility.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Herb Pasta: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, swap dill and parsley with fresh oregano and mint. Add kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Power Bowl: Include grilled chicken or seared shrimp for extra protein. Mix in roasted pine nuts and swap radishes with grilled zucchini for a heartier version of the original recipe.

Ways to Serve Asparagus Pasta Salad at Gatherings

• Garden Party Picnic Platter: Arrange the pasta salad on a rustic wooden board with fresh herb sprigs, lemon wedges, and scattered radish slices for a stunning presentation that screams summer gatherings.
• Protein Power Boost: Top with grilled chicken strips, crumbled feta cheese, or roasted shrimp to transform this light salad into a hearty main course packed with delicious protein.
• Gourmet Lunch Companion: Pack this pasta salad in mason jars for a chic work lunch, layering ingredients carefully to keep everything crisp and appetizing until mealtime.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé to complement the fresh, zesty flavors of the lemon ricotta dressing and spring vegetables.

Storing Asparagus Pasta Salad for Picnics or Lunches

• Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it cold to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Not recommended due to ricotta dressing, which may separate and become grainy when thawed. Vegetables and pasta will lose their crisp texture.
• Gently warm in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of olive oil to refresh the dressing.
• Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the dressing and bring out the flavors. Toss gently before enjoying.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like rotini, farfalle, or penne are ideal because they hold the dressing well and capture small vegetable pieces easily.

• Can I make this pasta salad vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, replace ricotta with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or tofu-based ricotta, and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from ricotta, fiber from vegetables, and nutrients from asparagus and peas, making it a nutritious and balanced meal.

• How can I add more protein to the dish?

Consider adding grilled chicken, canned tuna, chickpeas, or cubed tofu to increase the protein content and make the salad more filling.

Asparagus Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired asparagus pasta salad delivers fresh spring flavors with al dente pasta and crisp vegetables. Herbal dressing and feta cheese elevate this light, nutritious dish you’ll crave for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) short-cut pasta (rotini, fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
• 1 pound (454 grams) asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas
• 1 cup (150 grams) radish, halved and thinly sliced

Herbs:

• 1/4 cup (15 grams) parsley, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh dill, finely chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more as needed
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the luscious dressing by whisking ricotta, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, zest, and salt in a small bowl until silky smooth. Reserve for later integration.
2. Meticulously clean asparagus, snipping away tough woody ends, then slice into elegant one-inch segments. Thoroughly wash radishes and halve them before creating delicate thin slices.
3. Ignite a large pot of salted water to rolling boil, then submerge pasta. Cook until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain in colander and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, ensuring crisp texture.
4. Simultaneously prepare an ice bath. Introduce sliced asparagus into boiling water, cooking precisely 2 minutes. Incorporate frozen peas, continuing for additional minute until vegetables maintain vibrant green hue. Swiftly transfer to ice water, then drain and gently pat dry.
5. Merge cooled pasta, blanched vegetables, radish slivers, fresh parsley, and dill in expansive mixing bowl. Cascade reserved dressing over ingredients, gently folding to distribute flavors evenly. Calibrate seasoning with additional olive oil, salt, or pepper as desired.
6. Serve immediately at ambient temperature or refrigerate. This versatile salad maintains optimal quality for five days when stored in sealed container, presenting an ideal make-ahead culinary creation.

Notes

• Customize the ricotta dressing by adding fresh herbs like basil or chives for extra flavor complexity.
• Choose gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Experiment with different seasonal vegetables like roasted zucchini or grilled bell peppers to create unique variations.
• Toast pine nuts or sliced almonds for a crunchy texture contrast that elevates the overall dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 10mg