A celebration of spring on a plate, this Asparagus Pasta Salad bursts with freshness and color. Twirls of al dente pasta are tossed with crisp-tender asparagus, sweet green peas, and radish slices that offer a gentle bite. Finished with a sprinkle of creamy feta and fresh herbs, this salad is a perfect balance of textures and flavors — tangy, savory, and just a touch peppery.

Whether you’re planning a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a dish to impress at a picnic or potluck, this easy pasta salad delivers in both taste and presentation. It’s equally delicious served warm or chilled, making it a versatile choice throughout the seasons. Refreshing and satisfying, it’s a vibrant side or main dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients for this Asparagus Pasta Salad Recipe

8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup green peas (fresh or thawed from frozen)
4 radishes, thinly sliced
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.

Step 2: Blanch the Asparagus and Peas

While the pasta is cooking, bring another pot of water to a boil. Add the asparagus and peas, and blanch them for 2–3 minutes until they turn bright green and become just tender. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to preserve their color and texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, a pinch of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the blanched asparagus and peas. Add the sliced radishes, crumbled feta, parsley, and chives. Drizzle the lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

You can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and, if desired, a little extra sprinkle of feta or a crack of black pepper on top.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Asparagus Pasta Salad fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3–4 days. If you’re planning to make it ahead for a gathering, consider adding the dressing right before serving to preserve the crispness of the vegetables and the brightness of the herbs.

Avoid freezing, as pasta and fresh vegetables like asparagus and radishes tend to become mushy and lose their texture after thawing.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 310
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 280mg

(Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and quantities used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Bowtie, penne, or even orzo all work well. Just make sure it’s a shape that holds dressing and mixes well with vegetables.

2. What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Goat cheese, shaved Parmesan, or even vegan cheese alternatives can be used as substitutes.

3. Is this salad served hot or cold?

It can be served either way. It’s refreshing cold but also delicious slightly warm if just made.

4. Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas pair beautifully with the flavors in this salad.

5. What herbs go best besides parsley and chives?

Fresh dill, basil, or mint can enhance the salad’s flavor and complement the vegetables.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can prep all ingredients a day ahead, but add the dressing just before serving for the freshest taste.

7. How do I keep the asparagus bright green?

Blanching and then rinsing with cold water or an ice bath helps lock in the color and crispness.

8. Is it gluten-free?

Not with regular pasta, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta options like rice or lentil pasta.

Asparagus Pasta Salad Recipe

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Ready for a refreshing twist on pasta salad? This Asparagus Pasta Salad is a vibrant, seasonal dish that combines the crisp snap of fresh asparagus, the mild sweetness of peas, and the tangy bite of radish with a lemony olive oil dressing. It’s finished with crumbled feta and fresh herbs for a dish that’s bursting with color and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, light dinner, or springtime party dish, this salad ticks all the boxes for an easy recipe, healthy snack, and bright dinner idea. With a balance of creamy, zesty, and crunchy textures, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Blanch the asparagus and peas in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Rinse with cold water.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, toss the pasta with asparagus, peas, radishes, feta, parsley, and chives.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving, or serve immediately if preferred.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad