Ingredients for Asparagus Pasta Salad With A Creamy Lemon Dressing
- Penne Pasta
- 1 pound asparagus
- Scallion
- Cheddar Cheese
- Kosher Salt
- Lemon
- Mayonnaise
- Chicken Broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove minced garlic
- Ground Black Pepper
How to Make Asparagus Pasta Salad With A Creamy Lemon Dressing
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- While pasta cooks, snap off the tough ends of 1 pound asparagus and cut into 1-inch pieces. Steam or blanch the asparagus until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking and maintain vibrant green color.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta and asparagus to the lemon dressing. Toss gently to combine.
- Add 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Toss again to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or chill for later. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
69 g
Sugar
12g
Fat
13g
Carbs
16g