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If you’re looking for a fresh and easy pasta salad recipe, this asparagus pasta salad is a delicious choice for spring and summer meals.
Made with tender asparagus, pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a light lemon dressing, this refreshing salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, and easy lunches.
The combination of crisp asparagus, fresh herbs, and tangy feta creates a bright and flavorful pasta salad that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, sandwiches, and summer dinners.
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It’s light enough for warm weather but filling enough to serve as a simple meal on its own.
This easy asparagus pasta salad comes together quickly and tastes even better after the flavors have had time to blend together. Whether you serve it chilled or at room temperature, it’s always a crowd favorite.
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Asparagus Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini)
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Transfer the asparagus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain well.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and basil.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Tips for the Best Asparagus Pasta Salad
Blanching the asparagus briefly helps keep it crisp, tender, and bright green.
Rinsing the pasta under cold water cools it quickly and helps prevent sticking.
For extra flavor, try grilling the asparagus instead of blanching it before adding it to the salad.
Easy Variations
This pasta salad is easy to customize with additional vegetables, proteins, and cheeses.
Try adding:
- grilled chicken
- bacon
- peas
- spinach
- mozzarella pearls
- parmesan cheese
- cucumbers
- toasted pine nuts
You can also swap the feta cheese for goat cheese or parmesan for a slightly different flavor.
Serving Ideas
This asparagus pasta salad pairs perfectly with:
- grilled chicken
- burgers
- sandwiches
- grilled salmon
- steak
- BBQ meals
It’s also a great make-ahead side dish for summer picnics, church potlucks, baby showers, and holiday cookouts.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If the pasta absorbs too much dressing after chilling, simply drizzle with a little extra olive oil and lemon juice before serving.
This fresh asparagus pasta salad is light, flavorful, and perfect for spring and summer meals. Made with tender asparagus, pasta, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a bright lemon dressing, this easy pasta salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, church potlucks, and summer holiday gatherings.
- 8 ounces pasta fusilli, penne, or rotini
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
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Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the asparagus for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
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Transfer the asparagus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain well.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and basil.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
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Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Blanching the asparagus keeps it bright green and crisp-tender.
For extra flavor, try grilling the asparagus before adding it to the salad.
Rotini and fusilli pasta hold the dressing especially well.
This salad tastes even better after chilling for a bit before serving.
More Easy Summer Salad Recipes
- Mandarin Orange Salad
- Creamy Dill Pasta Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Corn and Avocado Salad
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
Follow my asparagus recipes board on Pinterest.
