If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, fresh, and completely irresistible salad, you have to try this Spring Pea Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a joyful celebration of tender peas, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta and a zesty lemony dressing. This dish is the perfect burst of springtime flavors that also happens to be easy to whip up, making it a go-to for casual lunches, picnic outings, or alongside dinner on a warm day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key for this Spring Pea Pasta Salad Recipe. Each one plays an important role, contributing brightness, texture, or a little pop of flavor that lifts the whole dish from simple to sensational.
- 8 ounces pasta: Choose a bite-sized pasta like rotini or farfalle to hold the dressing and veggies perfectly.
- 1 cup fresh peas: These add a sweet and tender crunch that screams spring freshness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Their juicy burst balances the salad with a mild acidity.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Thin slices provide just the right amount of sharpness without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Adds a fragrant herbal note that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The base of the dressing to bring lush richness and help coat every bite.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Injects a lively tang that wakes up the dish and balances the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle punch of spice and depth to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon honey: A hint of sweetness that smooths out the acidity and rounds out the dressing.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors without stealing the spotlight.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds just a touch of warming spice to finish it off.
How to Make Spring Pea Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Salted water helps season the pasta from within, making every bite flavorful. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Cooking it just right ensures a pleasing texture that holds up in the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Peas
While the pasta cooks, quickly blanch the fresh peas by boiling them for 2 to 3 minutes until tender. This method keeps their vibrant color and bright flavor intact. Then drain and set them aside to cool, so they’re ready to mix with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Cool the Pasta
Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This step is crucial for that refreshing, chilled texture that makes this salad so pleasant on your palette.
Step 4: Combine the Vegetables and Pasta
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with your tender peas, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and the chopped fresh basil. Each component adds colors, textures, and freshness to keep your taste buds excited.
Step 5: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth and fully combined. This dressing is a superstar blend of zesty, sweet, and tangy flavors that ties the entire salad together and gives it a lovely shine.
Step 6: Dress and Season the Salad
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mix, tossing gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is coated evenly. Finish with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting until you find the perfect balance that suits your palate.
Step 7: Serve or Chill
You can serve this salad immediately for the freshest crunch or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors marry. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Spring Pea Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta on top for a creamy, savory touch. Freshly chopped herbs like mint or parsley can also enhance the springtime vibe with a burst of aroma and color.
Side Dishes
This Spring Pea Pasta Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seared fish, or even something simple like crusty bread. It’s versatile enough to accompany any main, making your meal feel balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the salad in individual mason jars layered with ingredients visible, or use colorful bowls that highlight the salad’s gorgeous greens and reds. It’s a feast for the eyes as much as for the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, though the pasta might soften slightly, so it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Spring Pea Pasta Salad Recipe since the fresh vegetables and pasta can lose their texture and become mushy when thawed. It shines brightest when fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
If you prefer a slightly warmed salad, let it come to room temperature before serving or gently warm it up, but typically, this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to keep the veggies crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peas work fine—just blanch them briefly to thaw and bring out their sweetness before mixing into the salad.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
Small shapes like rotini, farfalle, or penne hold the dressing and veggies beautifully, allowing each bite to be flavorful and satisfying.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, it is naturally vegan as long as you skip any optional cheese toppings. The dressing is plant-based and deliciously tangy.
Can I make this salad without Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute with a bit of whole grain mustard, yellow mustard, or even leave it out—though it does add a nice depth to the dressing.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Refrigerating for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld nicely, but it can be served immediately if you’re hungry for a fresh, crisp bite right away.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the fresh burst of flavors in this Spring Pea Pasta Salad Recipe to brighten your table and mood. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for all occasions and sure to become one of your favorite seasonal staples. Give it a try and see how easy it is to put a little spring on your plate!
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Spring Pea Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 20m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spring Pea Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch or a side at your next gathering. Featuring tender pasta, sweet fresh peas, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a tangy lemon-Dijon dressing, this salad is easy to prepare and packed with bright, spring flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente.
- Cook peas: While the pasta cooks, place the fresh peas in a small pot of boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside.
- Cool pasta: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
- Combine base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cooked peas, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh basil.
- Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth and well combined.
- Toss salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh peas for the best flavor, or substitute frozen peas, thawed and drained.
- Adjust the honey in the dressing to taste for more or less sweetness.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
- For a vegan option, ensure the honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
