Description
Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining tender pasta, sweet peas, zesty lemon, aromatic fresh herbs, and creamy plant-based cheese. This light and healthy salad offers bright citrus flavors balanced with smooth creaminess and is perfect as a quick lunch, side dish, or potluck favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups short pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, roughly chopped
- 1 garlic clove (natural), minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dressing
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Other
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and rinse quickly with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Peas and Herbs: If using fresh peas, blanch briefly in boiling water, then plunge into ice water to retain color and crispness. Roughly chop parsley, basil, and mint.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil (natural), minced garlic (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, and freshly ground pepper until emulsified and combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, peas, and chopped herbs. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat. Crumble plant-based cheese on top and mix lightly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best experience.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice and apple cider vinegar quantities to taste.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavor melding.
- Serve cold or at room temperature based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: herbed pea lemon pasta salad, plant-based pasta salad, vegan pea salad, lemon herb salad, healthy pasta salad
