Red Gold and Green Asparagus Tomato Pasta Salad
Brighten your table with the vibrant flavors of Red Gold and Green Asparagus Tomato Pasta Salad, a stunning dish that celebrates the best of Mediterranean cuisine. This quick and easy recipe combines tender penne pasta, crisp blanched asparagus, and sweet cherry tomatoes for a fresh burst of color and texture. Tossed in an irresistibly creamy basil pesto dressing with a hint of zesty lemon and finished with delicate shavings of parmesan cheese, this pasta salad is as delicious as it is eye-catching. Perfect as a chilled side dish, a light lunch, or an elegant potluck contribution, it comes together in just 30 minutes and is sure to dazzle guests with its garden-fresh appeal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams penne pasta
- 300 grams asparagus spears
- 200 grams cherry tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 50 grams parmesan cheese (shaved)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 5 grams fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
2. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut the spears into 2-inch pieces. Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to preserve the bright green color. Drain again and pat dry.
3. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly.
6. Gently fold in the shaved parmesan cheese.
7. Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl and garnish with optional fresh basil leaves if desired.
8. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your Red Gold and Green Asparagus Tomato Pasta Salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1708 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 71.6 g | 92% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.0 g | 85% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 2277 mg | 99% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 210.1 g | 76% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.2 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.1 g | ||
| Protein | 65.1 g | 130% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 925 mg | 71% | |
| Iron | 17.9 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 1953 mg | 42% | |
*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.
