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Packed with fresh asparagus, juicy tomatoes, pasta, and feta cheese, this easy pasta salad recipe is perfect for summer holidays, family gatherings, BBQs, picnics, and potluck parties.

Asparagus Pasta Salad

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.

Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword asparagus, barbecue, picnic, potluck
Prep Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Servings 6

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

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the asparagus for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  3. Transfer the asparagus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain well.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and basil.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  7. Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Recipe Notes

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.