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A delicious plate of Asparagus Pasta Salad

Asparagus Pasta Salad

A refreshing pasta salad featuring al dente short-cut pasta, tender asparagus, sweet peas, crisp radishes, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a creamy lemon ricotta dressing. Perfect for a light meal, potlucks, or meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 419

Ingredients
  

Lemon Ricotta Dressing
  • 1/4 cup ricotta cheese Forms the creamy base of the lemon dressing.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the dressing.
  • 1 clove garlic Minced or grated for a subtle garlic flavor throughout.
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the entire salad.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest Adds a concentrated burst of citrus aroma.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Initial seasoning; adjust to taste at the end.
Pasta Salad
  • 1 pound short-cut pasta (rotini, fusilli, penne, or farfalle) Choose your favorite short-cut shape for this salad.
  • 1 pound asparagus Ensure ends are trimmed and pieces are uniform for even cooking.
  • 1 cup frozen peas No need to thaw; they cook quickly with the asparagus.
  • 1 cup radish Halved and thinly sliced for a refreshing crunch and peppery bite.
  • 1/4 cup parsley Roughly chop for a vibrant, fresh flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill Finely chop to distribute its distinctive herbaceous aroma.
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper Freshly ground black pepper adds a finishing touch; adjust to your preference.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Small pot
  • Large Bowl
  • Small Bowl or Jar
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl or jar, combine ricotta, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended. Set aside while preparing the other ingredients.
  2. Wash the asparagus thoroughly, then trim the tough ends and slice into 1-inch pieces. For the radishes, wash well, cut them in half, then thinly slice them into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Drain well to remove excess water.
  4. Prepare a large bowl of ice water and set aside. Bring a small pot of water to a boil, add the sliced asparagus, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the frozen peas and continue cooking for 1 more minute until vegetables are tender but still bright green. Quickly drain and transfer to the ice water to cool. Once cooled, drain thoroughly and gently pat dry.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, blanched asparagus and peas, sliced radishes, chopped parsley, and dill. Pour the lemon ricotta dressing over everything and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional olive oil, salt, or pepper if needed.

Notes

The pasta salad can be served immediately at room temperature or chilled. It stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep.