Description
This Asparagus and Tomato Pasta Salad is a vibrant, wholesome dish that combines crisp asparagus, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a simple yet flavorful dressing, making it a perfect addition to your meal repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces Pasta
1 pound Fresh Asparagus
2 cups Cherry Tomatoes
1/4 cup Fresh Basil
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley
2 cloves Garlic
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside
- Prepare the Asparagus: While the pasta cooks, trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears. Cut the spears into 1-inch pieces. You can either quickly blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender, or roast them in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes. Immediately plunge blanched asparagus into an ice bath to maintain their vibrant color and stop cooking. Drain well
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, blanched or roasted asparagus, and halved cherry tomatoes
- Dress and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Add the fresh chopped basil and parsley. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Asparagus and Tomato Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving
Notes
For best results, use fresh ingredients and allow the salad to chill for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg