Asparagus Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Asparagus Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing side dish that combines crisp, tender asparagus with juicy cherry tomatoes, flavorful penne pasta, and a creamy Greek yogurt lemon dressing. Perfect for spring, this dish is a great option for potlucks, BBQs, or just as a simple and nutritious meal. The tangy dressing, made with lemon, parsley, and Greek yogurt, enhances the fresh vegetables, creating a balanced and vibrant flavor profile. It’s a delicious, quick-to-make salad that’s sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ⅓ cup purple onion, thinly sliced

For the Dressing:

• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the penne pasta in boiling water for 12 minutes. During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the asparagus to the pot.

2. Drain the pasta and asparagus, then rinse them under cold water until completely cooled. Drain thoroughly and transfer them to a large bowl.

3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced purple onion to the bowl with the pasta and asparagus. Toss gently to combine.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, sugar, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.

5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.

6. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: To make this salad more substantial, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.

• Change the Pasta: Feel free to swap out penne for other pasta shapes such as rotini, fusilli, or farfalle.

• Add More Veggies: You can mix in other veggies such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives for added color and crunch.

• Make It Vegan: Use a dairy-free yogurt in place of Greek yogurt and adjust the dressing ingredients accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: This pasta salad is best served cold, but if you need to warm it up, you can microwave it for a few seconds, though the texture is best when chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any short pasta like farfalle, rotini, or fusilli for a different shape and texture.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time or even the day before. The flavors will continue to develop and enhance overnight.

3. Is this pasta salad gluten-free?

To make this salad gluten-free, simply swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free pasta alternative.

4. Can I add cheese to this pasta salad?

Yes! You can add crumbled feta cheese, goat cheese, or parmesan to give the salad an extra creamy and savory flavor.

5. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, to make it vegan, substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt, and use maple syrup instead of sugar for a more natural sweetener.

6. How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?

To prevent the pasta from becoming soggy, make sure to rinse the pasta and asparagus under cold water after draining them, and don’t let them sit in excess moisture.

7. Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

Fresh asparagus is best, but if you need to use frozen asparagus, make sure it’s well-drained and cooked thoroughly before adding it to the salad.

8. Can I use a different dressing for this pasta salad?

Absolutely! If you don’t want to use Greek yogurt, you can substitute with a vinaigrette dressing or a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise or sour cream.

9. How long can I store this pasta salad in the fridge?

This pasta salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

10. Can I make this recipe spicy?

If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the salad for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Asparagus Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for any occasion, offering a deliciously light and refreshing combination of flavors. With the crunch of asparagus, sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and creamy lemon dressing, it’s both a satisfying side dish and a nutritious meal on its own. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, potluck, or enjoying it for a simple spring lunch, this salad will be a hit. It’s easy to prepare, full of fresh ingredients, and bursting with flavor, making it a must-try for any salad lover.

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