Description
Skip the store-bought pasta salads and make this vibrant Asparagus Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing! This quick and easy recipe brings together fresh asparagus, hearty pasta, and a zesty homemade dressing, making it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or as a colorful side at any dinner table. With its delightful combination of flavors, this salad is not only nutritious but also a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Perfect as a standalone dish or paired with grilled chicken or turkey, this salad is easily customizable to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh asparagus
- 2 1/2 cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta
- 2/3 cup sliced red onions
- 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1/3 cup red apple vinegar
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of water before draining.
- Trim and blanch asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green; shock in ice water.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients in a bowl.
- Combine cooked pasta, asparagus, onions, and tomatoes in a large bowl; toss with dressing.
- Serve topped with shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg