Fresh Tomato Basil Asparagus Pasta Salad
Bright, vibrant, and bursting with garden-fresh flavors, this Fresh Tomato Basil Asparagus Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer dish that's perfect for any picnic, potluck, or light meal. Featuring tender al dente pasta, crisp asparagus blanched to perfection, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic fresh basil, this salad is dressed in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for a refreshing burst of flavor. Topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish, it's as nutritious as it is delicious. With just 15 minutes of prep and cook time each, this quick and easy recipe offers a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal ingredients in a chilled or room-temperature dish that’s ideal for sharing. Perfect for lovers of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 pound Fresh asparagus
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut the stalks into 1-inch pieces.
Bring a small pot of water to a boil and blanch the asparagus for 2-3 minutes, until tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking, then drain and set aside.
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and roughly chop the fresh basil leaves.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and basil.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and gently toss again to incorporate.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1371 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.6 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.5 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3075 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 140.5 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.4 g | 73% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.2 g | ||
| Protein | 49.8 g | 100% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 653 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 13.6 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 1922 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
