Go Back
+ servings
Lemon-Dijon Asparagus and Pea Macaroni Salad for Spring Vibes

Lemon-Dijon Asparagus and Pea Macaroni Salad for Fresh Spring Vibes

A vibrant Lemon-Dijon Asparagus and Pea Macaroni Salad perfect for spring, packed with fresh flavors and quick to prepare.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Pasta Use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
For the Fresh Ingredients
  • 1 bunch Fresh Asparagus Remove tough ends and slice into bite-sized pieces.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Add directly to the pasta in the final minute of cooking.
  • ½ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Consider using fresh cherry tomatoes for a juicier flavor.
For the Creamy Dressing
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise Swap for Vegenaise to keep it vegan-friendly.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Use both juice and zest for maximum flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard A little goes a long way.
  • 1 clove Garlic Mince or grate for even distribution.
  • ½ teaspoon Fine Sea Salt Adjust according to personal taste.
  • ¼ teaspoon Fresh Ground Pepper Modulate to suit your heat preference.
For the Garnish
  • ¼ cup Curly Parsley Chopped.
  • 2 tablespoons Chives Chopped.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add elbow macaroni pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  2. In the last 4 minutes of the pasta cooking, stir in the chopped asparagus. Then, in the final minute, add the frozen peas to the pot.
  3. Carefully drain the mixture in a colander. Rinse under cool running water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
  4. Stir in roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, fine sea salt, and freshly ground pepper until smooth.
  6. Pour the creamy dressing over the chilled pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to combine. Fold in the chopped parsley and chives.
  7. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 9gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the salad to chill for 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor. Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness and enhance texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!