Description
A refreshing Lemon Herb Spring Pasta Salad packed with vibrant vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy homemade dressing. This easy-to-make pasta salad features orecchiette, crisp asparagus, cucumbers, green onions, chickpeas, edamame, and mozzarella pearls, perfect for a light lunch or picnic dish in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb orecchiette pasta
- 1 bunch asparagus, chopped
- 1-2 small cucumbers, chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
Fresh Herbs and Cheese
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (Italian parsley and dill), chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
Legumes
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), rinsed and drained
- 1 cup edamame
Dressing
- 1 small shallot
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch Asparagus: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped asparagus and blanch for 2-3 minutes until vibrant green. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Cook Pasta: Using the same boiling water, add the orecchiette pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Transfer to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the shallot, garlic clove, lemon zest and juice, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the blanched asparagus, chopped cucumbers, green onions, fresh herbs, chickpeas, edamame, and mozzarella pearls to the bowl with the pasta.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss well to combine all ingredients evenly. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Blanching asparagus helps preserve its bright color and crisp texture.
- Rinsing cooked pasta with cold water stops it from overcooking and prevents sticking.
- Feel free to substitute the fresh herbs with basil or mint for different flavor variations.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
- For a vegan option, omit mozzarella pearls or substitute with vegan cheese.