Description
A vibrant and refreshing macaroni salad featuring crisp asparagus, sweet peas, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs tossed in a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (9.5oz / 265g) elbow macaroni pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 lb (480g) fresh asparagus, tough ends removed and sliced on the bias
- 1 1/2 cups (200g) frozen peas
- 2/3 cup (120g) sun-dried tomatoes, marinated, drained, and chopped
- 1/3 cup (15g) curly parsley, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup (10g) chives, finely chopped (plus chive flowers for garnish if available)
- 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp (100g) mayo (use vegan mayo if preferred)
- 1 1/2 lemons, juiced + zest from one lemon
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic, minced or grated (about 2 large cloves)
- 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. During the last 4 minutes of cooking, add the asparagus. In the final minute, add the peas.
- Drain and rinse the pasta and vegetables under cold running water until completely cool. Drain well.
- Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and refrigerate while preparing the dressing.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and plenty of fresh ground pepper to taste.
- Remove the chilled pasta salad from the fridge, sprinkle in the parsley and chives, and pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss to coat evenly.
- Adjust seasoning with more lemon, salt, or pepper as needed. Garnish with chive flowers if using.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Notes
- Rinse pasta and vegetables well to stop the cooking process and cool them quickly.
- Adjust the dressing flavor with extra lemon juice or a pinch of sugar if desired.
- Don’t skip the parsley and chives — they add essential freshness and flavor.
- Add other veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and crunch.
- Feta or goat cheese makes a tasty optional addition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: macaroni salad, lemon dijon dressing, asparagus salad, picnic salad, spring pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad