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asparagus pasta salad in a bowl with a golden fork

Asparagus Pasta Salad

This fresh springtime asparagus pasta salad features asparagus, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts complemented by a zesty homemade dressing!
Author : Aline Cueni
5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time :10 minutes
Cook Time :15 minutes
Total Time :25 minutes
Servings : 4
Calories : 270kcal

Ingredients
 

  • ½ tbsp olive oil
  • 9 oz (250 g) asparagus
  • 7 oz (200 g) pasta of choice
  • 1 ¾ cups (200 g) cherry tomatoes cut in half
  • ⅓ cup (50 g) shaved parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese balls
  • 1 scallion sliced
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts toasted in a
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil minced

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or vinegar of choice
  • 1 tsp maple syrup or sugar, honey
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to the packet instructions in boiling salt water until al dente. Drain over a sieve and set 2 tbsp of pasta water aside.
  • Wash asparagus, break off the tough woody ends & discard, and cut asparagus into bite-sized pieces. Heat
  • Heat a skillet with ½ tbsp olive oil. Add asparagus and roast for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Toast pine nuts in a skillet without oil until golden brown.
  • Mix all ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl.
  • In a large bowl, combine pasta, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese, scallion, pine nuts, and basil. Drizzle with the dressing and toss until well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper! Hint: Mix the set aside pasta cooking water into the salad, this way you can stretch the dressing a bit without using more oil.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead: This salad can be made up to one day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until 30 minutes before serving.
  • Keeps fresh for 3 days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Cheese: Substitute parmesan cheese with mozzarella or feta cheese.
  • Vegan: Omit cheese!
  • Love strawberries? Add a handful of sliced strawberries to the salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 238mg | Potassium: 373mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 858IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 3mg