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Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad

Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad

  • Author: Eric
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad is a bright and refreshing dish combining tender pasta, sweet peas, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs. This versatile salad is quick to prepare, full of color, and perfect for light lunches, side dishes, or picnics. It offers a wholesome balance of flavors and textures that delight the palate with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 2 cups short pasta (fusilli or penne)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

Optional Add-ins

  • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
  • 100g grilled chicken strips or tofu cubes
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled plant-based feta (plant-based) cheese
  • Pinch of red chili flakes or diced jalapeño
  • ½ cup chopped cucumbers
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup shredded carrots

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep pasta cool.
  2. Prepare the Peas: If using frozen peas, blanch them briefly in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to preserve their bright green color and sweet flavor. Drain and cool immediately.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, and pepper to create a refreshing and zesty dressing.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the pasta and peas with the chopped fresh herbs: parsley, mint, and dill. Pour the dressing on top and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Choose quality pasta shapes like fusilli or penne to hold the dressing well and avoid sogginess.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and aroma. Avoid substituting with dried herbs if possible.
  • Do not overcook peas; blanch gently to keep them tender but crisp and vibrant in color.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon zest and juice to your personal taste preferences for brightness.
  • Toss the salad lightly to maintain the texture integrity of peas and pasta.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Flavors improve after resting.
  • The salad does not freeze well due to the delicate texture of pasta and herbs.
  • If reheating, do so gently over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No Cooking (Boiling pasta only)
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: pea pasta salad, lemon pasta salad, herbed pasta salad, light summer salad, plant-based pasta salad, refreshing pasta dish

Find it online: https://smartmealsguide.com/herbed-pea-and-lemon-pasta-salad/