Take a culinary journey with asparagus lemon pasta salad, a dish that combines the delicate sweetness of asparagus with the bright, tangy flavor of lemon. This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or summer gathering, and can be easily adapted to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you prefer a creamy dressing or a light vinaigrette, there's a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds. So, grab your favorite pasta and let's embark on an exploration of the best asparagus lemon pasta salad recipes. Get ready to elevate your taste buds and create a dish that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
LEMON, GARLIC, AND ASPARAGUS WARM CAPRESE PASTA SALAD
There are so many reasons I love this recipe. Caprese salad has to be one of my favorite summertime treats. There is nothing like a summer tomatoes' sweetness mixed with the peppery sweetness fresh basil offers, the zing of lemon and richness of garlic. It is SO good.
Provided by Ebwallace
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Caprese Salad Recipes
Time 40m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain.
- Place asparagus into a saucepan, add a little water, and place over medium heat; cover pan and let asparagus steam until bright green and tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain.
- Heat olive oil with butter and lemon juice in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until butter melts; cook and stir shallot in hot oil and butter mixture until it just begins to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir garlic into shallot mixture and cook until shallot and garlic are opaque, 3 more minutes. Stir asparagus and chicken into mixture; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Toss pasta with chicken and vegetables to combine; mix tomato and basil into salad and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 446.3 calories, Carbohydrate 60 g, Cholesterol 23.2 mg, Fat 17.6 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 15 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 54.3 mg, Sugar 4.4 g
ASPARAGUS LEMON PASTA SALAD
Steps:
- Prepare penne according to package directions. Once cooked, toss with 1 teaspoon olive oil and chill. Cut off 1 - 2 inches of the base of asparagus and discard. Slice asparagus into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Simmer in skillet with water until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain asparagus and plunge into a bowl of ice water. This will help maintain the bright green color and stop the asparagus from cooking further. Toast pine nuts in oven until golden. In small bowl squeeze juice from lemon and grate the rind to create lemon zest. In large bowl whisk together lemon and rind, salt, pepper and remaining olive oil. Add asparagus, drained red pepper, pine nuts and pasta. Serve.
ASPARAGUS LEMON PASTA SALAD
Steps:
- Prepare penne according to package directions. Once cooked, toss with 1 teaspoon olive oil and chill. Cut off 1 - 2 inches of the base of asparagus and discard. Slice asparagus into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Simmer in skillet with water until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain asparagus and plunge into a bowl of ice water. This will help maintain the bright green color and stop the asparagus from cooking further. Toast pine nuts in oven until golden. In small bowl squeeze juice from lemon and grate the rind to create lemon zest. In large bowl whisk together lemon and rind, salt, pepper and remaining olive oil. Add asparagus, drained red pepper, pine nuts and pasta. Serve.
Tips:
- Choose fresh, vibrant asparagus for the best flavor and texture. Look for spears that are deep green in color, with tight tips and no signs of wilting.
- To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or shrimp. If you're using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before adding it to the salad.
- If you don't have fresh lemon juice on hand, you can use bottled lemon juice instead. Just be sure to use a good quality brand, as the flavor will be more noticeable in the salad.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for added crunch.
- To make the salad ahead of time, simply cook the asparagus and chicken (if using) and let them cool completely. Then, combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and refrigerate for up to 1 day. When you're ready to serve, just give the salad a quick stir.
Conclusion:
Asparagus lemon pasta salad is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that's perfect for a summer meal. It's also easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this asparagus lemon pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
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