Spring Pasta Salad with Asparagus Tomato and Mozzarella
Bright, fresh, and utterly satisfying, this Spring Pasta Salad with Asparagus, Tomato, and Mozzarella is the ultimate seasonal dish to celebrate warmer days. Featuring tender penne pasta, crisp blanched asparagus, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella pearls, this recipe combines vibrant textures and flavors in every bite. A zesty homemade lemon-garlic vinaigrette ties it all together, while fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dish that highlights the best of spring produce.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb asparagus
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking. Set it aside.
Trim the tough ends of 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. Drain and immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain again and set aside.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to a large mixing bowl. Add the blanched asparagus, cooked pasta, and mozzarella pearls.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.
Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over the salad. Toss gently one final time.
Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2474 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 107.5 g | 138% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.8 g | 164% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 122 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 3078 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 291.3 g | 106% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.9 g | 96% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.3 g | ||
| Protein | 96.7 g | 193% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 998 mg | 77% | |
| Iron | 24.7 mg | 137% | |
| Potassium | 2592 mg | 55% | |
*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.
