Spring Pasta Salad Recipe

ByDorothy Miller
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Welcome to the recipe for The Ultimate Spring Pasta Salad, a vibrant and fresh dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. For more seasonal pasta inspiration, try this Greek Orzo with Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe or a bright Arugula Salad With Lemon Zest Parmesan and Balsamic Dressing.

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Spring Pasta Salad

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A lemony, herby pasta salad with asparagus, peas, arugula, bacon and parmesan. It’s tossed in a pesto vinaigrette and makes for the perfect spring dinner recipe.

  • Author: Dorothy Miller
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Method: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz trottole pasta, cooked
  • 1 bunch asparagus, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 8 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup parmesan flakes
  • 1 lemon, zested and 1/2 juiced
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 1/2 cup pesto
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble when cooled. Save 1/4 cup of the bacon grease to cook the asparagus. Cook the chopped asparagus in the bacon grease and season with salt, pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Boil the frozen peas in salted water for 5 minutes and set aside.
  2. Cook the trottole pasta according to package instructions, drain, and cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, asparagus, peas, bacon, arugula, lemon zest, parmesan, and thyme.
  4. Make the dressing by combining pesto, white wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and honey.
  5. Toss the pasta salad with the dressing until fully combined. Serve or store in air-tight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use any short pasta shape if trottole is unavailable. For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon entirely.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Spring Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, this is my most requested Spring Pasta Salad is excellent for making ahead. Prepare it up to a day in advance, but store the dressing separately and toss everything together just before serving to keep the pasta from getting soggy.

What are the best pasta shapes to use for this salad?

Short, sturdy shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or rotini work best. Their nooks and curves hold the vibrant spring vegetables and dressing well, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

Can I add protein to this pasta salad?

Absolutely. Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese are fantastic additions that complement the fresh, spring flavors. They make the salad even more satisfying as a complete meal.

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