This Spring Pea Pasta Salad is a fresh and colorful dish, perfect for sunny days! With bright green peas, crunchy veggies, and your favorite pasta, it’s as tasty as it is pretty.
It’s super easy to make, and I love how it brightens up any meal. Pair it with grilled chicken or enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s sure to please!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: The recipe calls for fusilli, but you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta works great too. I usually go for something fun that holds the dressing well!
Fresh Green Peas: Fresh peas really pop in this salad, but if they aren’t available, frozen peas are a good second choice. Just thaw them beforehand, and they’ll taste just as nice.
Asparagus: Asparagus is delicious in this dish, but if you can’t find it, consider using green beans or zucchini. Both give a nice crunch and flavor!
Fresh Herbs: The mix of dill, basil, and mint adds a fresh feel to the dish. If you’re missing one, just use more of the others, or even try parsley or cilantro for a different taste!
Cheese: Ricotta gives a creamy texture while Parmesan adds depth. If you’re seeking lighter options, try goat cheese or omit it for a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Properly Blanch Vegetables?
Blanching helps keep your veggies vibrant and tender. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with boiling salted water. This adds flavor and brightens the veggies.
- Add asparagus and peas for 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and just tender!
- Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This cools them quickly and stops further cooking—this is key for that perfect crunch and color!
- Drain the veggies well before adding them to your pasta salad.
This step is easy but makes a big difference in presentation and taste! Enjoy your lovely, colorful pasta salad!
How to Make Spring Pea Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or any preferred shape)
- 1 cup fresh green peas (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh herbs (mixed dill, basil, and mint)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra herbs and greens for garnish (e.g., basil leaves, mint leaves)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Spring Pea Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and can be chilled for 30 minutes for extra flavor. You’ll spend a little time cooking pasta and veggies, then mixing everything together for a fresh and vibrant dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Once done, drain the pasta in a colander, but be sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside to cool.
2. Blanch the Asparagus and Peas:
In another large pot, boil salted water again. Carefully add the asparagus and peas, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender. Once cooked, drain them and quickly plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process and keep them vibrant. After a few minutes, drain them again and set aside.
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, blanched asparagus, and peas. Chop the fresh herbs (dill, basil, and mint) into small pieces and toss them into the bowl as well.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk it gently until it combines. Now, pour this flavorful dressing over the pasta and veggies, and toss everything together gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
5. Add the Cheeses:
Add the ricotta and grated Parmesan cheese to the salad. Mix carefully so the cheese spreads throughout the salad while keeping it creamy and delicious.
6. Adjust the Consistency:
If the salad seems a bit dry, don’t worry! Just stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This will make it nice and creamy.
7. Final Touches:
Give the salad a taste and see if it needs any extra seasoning. Once satisfied, transfer the salad to a nice serving platter. Top it off with extra fresh herbs and greens for a pretty presentation!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
You can enjoy this salad right away, or for even better flavors, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. It’s refreshing and perfect for any occasion—enjoy your Spring Pea Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available. A general rule is to use about one-third of the amount when substituting dried herbs for fresh. So, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of fresh herbs, you would use about 1/3 cup of dried. Just remember to add them early in the mixing process to give them time to rehydrate and release their flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle. If it feels dry, you can add a splash of olive oil or a bit more lemon juice to refresh it!
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables. Good alternatives include zucchini, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes. Just be sure to blanch them like you did with the asparagus and peas for the best texture and flavor.
Is This Salad Gluten-Free?
If you want a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free pasta! There are many great varieties made from rice, quinoa, or lentils available on the market that will work well in this salad.
