Introduction
Looking for a fresh, colorful, and easy dish that screams spring? You’re in the right place! This Spring Pea Pasta Salad is light, tasty, and full of seasonal veggies. Whether you’re packing lunch, planning a picnic, or making a quick dinner, this dish fits in perfectly. It’s also super easy to make—even if you’re new to cooking!
What makes it so special? It’s the sweet peas, fresh herbs, and a simple dressing that brings it all together. Plus, it can be eaten cold or warm. Sounds good, right? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients – Pea Pasta Salad
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious pasta salad. Don’t worry—most of these are easy to find in any grocery store:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups pasta (penne, fusilli, or bowtie work great)
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup cucumber, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or mint, chopped (or both!)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best!)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional for extra flavor)
Step by Step Process – Pea Pasta Salad
Ready to get cooking? Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a big pot of water. Add a little salt to the water. Once it’s boiling, pour in your pasta and cook it according to the package directions. You want it al dente, which means not too soft and not too hard.
When it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps it cool down and stops the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Peas
- If you’re using fresh peas, you can steam them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and soft.
- If you’re using frozen peas, just pour some hot water over them and let them sit for 2-3 minutes, then drain.
Step 3: Chop the Veggies
- Now, get your cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber ready. Wash everything well and chop them into small pieces.
- Chop your herbs too. Fresh parsley or mint adds a burst of flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic (if using). Stir until it looks smooth and creamy.
- Taste it. Like it more lemony? Add a bit more juice. Like it spicy? Add some black pepper.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- In a big bowl, mix the pasta, peas, chopped veggies, and herbs. Pour the dressing over it and toss everything together until it’s fully coated.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese if you like cheese. It adds a creamy, salty bite.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
You can eat it right away, but it tastes even better after 30 minutes in the fridge. The flavors mix together and taste amazing! Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a spring picnic.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | 9–11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35–40 g |
| Fiber | 4–5 g |
| Total Fat | 14–16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3–4 g (if using feta) |
| Sugar | 4–6 g |
| Sodium | 300–400 mg |
| Vitamin C | High (from lemon, peas, and tomatoes) |
| Calcium | Moderate (from feta cheese) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, fusilli, bowtie, or rotini work best because they hold the dressing well. Even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works too.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make it a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving. If it looks a little dry, add a splash of olive oil.
3. What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No problem! You can skip it or use a little bit of regular yellow mustard. It still tastes great.
4. Is there a vegan version?
Yes. Just skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The rest of the salad is naturally vegan!
5. How do I store leftovers?
Put the salad in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
6. What can I serve it with?
This salad is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with grilled chicken, fish, or even a sandwich.
Final Thoughts
Spring Pea Pasta Salad is everything you want in a meal: fresh, healthy, colorful, and super easy to make. It’s great for busy weeknights, outdoor picnics, or even a simple side dish.
Plus, you can mix it up however you like. Add other veggies, toss in some nuts, or try a different herb. Once you try it, you’ll see how fun and flexible it is. So the next time you’re craving something fresh and fast, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!
