Description
Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad is a vibrant and light dish combining tender pasta, sweet peas, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs tossed in a natural, light dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes, this refreshing salad is perfect for picnics, lunches, or dinners, offering a colorful and nutrient-rich option that pleases the palate and brightens any table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Peas
- 250g fusilli or farfalle pasta
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons finely minced shallots or red onion
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Herbs and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil (natural), lemon juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), finely minced shallots or red onion, natural gelling agent, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined, creating a light and flavorful dressing.
- Combine Herbs and Peas: Finely chop fresh parsley, dill, and mint. Add fresh or thawed peas to a mixing bowl along with the chopped herbs and lemon zest, tossing gently to combine for a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
- Toss Everything Together: Add the cooled pasta to the herb and pea mixture. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly without breaking the peas or bruising the herbs.
- Chill and Serve: Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest for a brighter, fresher citrus flavor.
- Avoid overcooking pasta; keep it al dente for pleasant texture.
- Chop herbs finely to release essential oils and enhance flavor.
- Toss salad gently to keep peas intact and maintain visual appeal.
- Adjust salt levels carefully, especially when using vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pea pasta salad, lemon pasta salad, herbed pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad, light pasta dish, fresh herb salad