This colorful Spring Pea Pasta Salad is a bright and fresh dish packed with sweet peas, crunchy veggies, and pasta. It’s like a little celebration of spring on your plate!
Perfect for picnics or a quick lunch, it’s light yet satisfying. I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top—because who can resist a little cheesy goodness? 🧀🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fusilli works great as it holds the dressing well, but you can swap it for any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta is a good option for a healthier choice.
Peas: Fresh peas give a sweet crunch, but frozen peas are a perfect substitute—they’re convenient and just as tasty when thawed. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using snap peas for a different texture!
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess to the salad. If you don’t have it, cottage cheese blends well too. You could even use a vegan ricotta if you’re looking for a dairy-free substitute.
Herbs: Fresh basil, mint, and dill are ideal, but feel free to experiment! Chives or parsley can be great alternatives if you can’t find these herbs or want something different.
Olive Oil: A must for flavor, but you can also use avocado oil or any light cooking oil you have on hand. For an added twist, try infused oils like garlic or lemon for extra flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad is Well-Combined?
Mixing well is key to a delicious pasta salad. Here’s how to make sure all your ingredients come together nicely:
- Always rinse the pasta and peas in cold water after cooking—this helps stop the cooking process and cools everything down quickly.
- When combining ricotta with the pasta, gently fold rather than stir vigorously; this keeps the cheese fluffy.
- Add herbs and seasoning gradually. Taste as you go! This helps balance the flavors perfectly.
- Make sure to toss the salad well to evenly coat everything with olive oil and lemon juice, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Following these tips will help you achieve a balanced and cohesive flavor in your salad. Enjoy!
How to Make Spring Pea Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (fusilli or any preferred shape)
- 2 cups fresh peas (or frozen peas, thawed)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Herbs and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Extra basil and mint leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. So in total, you’ll need roughly 25 minutes to have this delightful spring dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta and Peas:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. When there are just 2 minutes left of cooking time, add the peas to the pot to blanch them. After the time is up, drain the pasta and peas together, then rinse them under cold water to cool them down.
2. Combine with Ricotta:
Grab a large mixing bowl and add the cooled pasta and peas. Spoon in the ricotta cheese, and gently mix everything together until it’s well blended. This will create a creamy base for your salad!
3. Add Fresh Herbs and Dressing:
Now it’s time to bring in the fresh flavors! Add in the torn basil leaves, chopped mint, and dill to the pasta mixture. Drizzle the olive oil over everything, then squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest on top. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking.
4. Toss and Serve:
Gently toss all the ingredients together until the pasta is well coated and the herbs are evenly distributed. You can serve this salad warm or chilled, depending on your preference. If you’d like, garnish with extra basil and mint leaves for a lovely touch. Enjoy your delicious spring pea pasta salad!
## FAQs for Spring Pea Pasta Salad
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh, but you’ll need to adjust the amounts. Generally, use about one-third the amount of dried herbs as fresh. For this recipe, about 1 tablespoon of each dried herb should work well. Keep in mind that fresh herbs deliver a brighter flavor, so if you can, opt for fresh when possible!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, consider adding a splash of olive oil or a bit more lemon juice when you re-mix before serving!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, substitute the ricotta cheese with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or a store-bought vegan ricotta. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if desired!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
This pasta salad is quite versatile! Feel free to add diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed to accommodate the additional ingredients!
