Description
Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad is a light, fresh, and vibrant dish combining tender pasta, sweet garden peas, and a bright lemon flavor balanced with fresh herbs. Perfect for warm weather meals, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners, this plant-based salad offers a refreshing twist with nourishing ingredients and customizable flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh peas (or thawed frozen peas)
- 2 cups short-cut pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (natural)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (natural)
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs mix (parsley, mint, basil), finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta completely.
- Cook the peas: If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then transfer to ice water to preserve their bright green color and crisp texture. For frozen peas, thaw under cold running water or lightly warm.
- Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, combine fresh lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, a pinch of salt, freshly ground pepper, and the natural gelling agent. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, emulsified, and slightly thickened.
- Combine the salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta, peas, and finely chopped fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until all ingredients are evenly coated, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute dressing that may have settled.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for a bright, lively flavor; dried herbs will not have the same effect.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain perfect texture after chilling.
- Chilling the salad enhances the infusion of herb and citrus flavors.
- Balance lemon juice and olive oil carefully to avoid overpowering the dressing.
- Add dressing gradually while tossing to prevent overdressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking Required
- 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: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: herbed pea lemon pasta salad, fresh herb pasta salad, plant-based pasta salad, lemon pasta salad, pea pasta salad, easy summer salad, vegetarian pasta salad