Asparagus Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Elevate your meal with this vibrant Asparagus Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing! Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light dinner, this dish combines tender pasta with fresh asparagus and juicy tomatoes for a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The homemade Italian dressing adds a zesty kick that makes every bite refreshing and satisfying. With its quick preparation time and healthy ingredients, this salad is not only delicious but also a nutritious choice for any occasion. Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein to transform it into a wholesome main course!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/3 cup red apple vinegar
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste (optional)
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound asparagus
- 2 1/2 cups uncooked pasta, such as penne or rotini
- 2/3 cup sliced red onions
- 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
- 2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- 2. Blanch the asparagus in salted boiling water for 2–3 minutes until bright green, then transfer to cold water and drain.
- 3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the red apple vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, sugar, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and olive oil until well combined.
- 4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched asparagus, sliced onions, diced tomatoes, and half of the dressing. Toss gently to coat.
- 5. Serve topped with shredded Parmesan cheese and drizzle additional dressing over individual servings if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg