Spring Herb and Vegetable Pasta

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Spring Herb and Vegetable Pasta

Yield 6 servings

Fresh, lemony and packed with spring vegetables, this pasta salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks. Serve with grilled chicken, steak or tofu for a heartier meal for a crowd.

Ingredients

For the Lemony Dressing:

  • 1½ teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ½ small shallot, finely chopped
  • ¾ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ cup olive oil

For the pasta salad:

  • 1 bunch (about 1 pound) asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds
  • 1 cup fresh shelled green peas or frozen, thawed
  • 1 cup fresh snap peas, trimmed and halved
  • 16 oz. uncooked penne pasta 
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 radishes, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup parsley, roughly chopped 
  • ½ cup basil leaves, thinly sliced
  • 2 Tablespoons shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, blend together the lemon zest, lemon juice, shallot, mustard, salt, pepper, and oil with a whisk or fork; set aside.

Place a large bowl of ice water on the counter.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 2 minutes. Add the shelled peas and snap peas to the water and cook for an additional 1 minute. With a slotted spoon, transfer the asparagus, peas and snap peas to the ice water to cool completely; drain and set aside.

Bring the salted water back to a boil. Add the pasta, cook, and drain according to package directions. Transfer drained pasta to a large bowl and toss with half of the dressing to lightly coat.

Add the asparagus, peas, snap peas, green onions, radishes, parsley and basil to the pasta. Toss to combine. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve with additional dressing. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.