Description
Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and zesty dish combining tender sweet peas, bright herbs like parsley, mint, and dill, and a tangy lemon dressing made with extra virgin olive oil and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Perfect for easy, light meals any day, this salad delivers a refreshing mix of flavors and textures, ideal as a side or a light main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups short pasta (fusilli or penne)
Fresh Produce
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
- Microgreens or edible flowers, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the short pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop cooking.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and black pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Combine Peas and Herbs: In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh peas and finely chopped parsley, mint, dill, and sliced green onions.
- Toss Together: Add the cooled pasta to the herb and pea mixture. Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat every piece evenly with the tangy dressing.
- Adjust and Chill: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness.
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor and aroma.
- Chill the salad before serving for better flavor fusion and texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen dressing if the salad seems dry after chilling.
- Customize the herb blend according to your taste preferences.
- Frozen peas can be used if thawed and drained properly.
- This salad keeps fresh in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Best served cold or at room temperature; gentle warming is possible but avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pea pasta salad, lemon pasta salad, herbed pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad, vegan pasta salad, lemon dressing salad, fresh herb salad