Description
Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant plant-based dish combining tender pasta with sweet peas, bright lemon zest and juice, and aromatic herbs including parsley, basil, and mint. Tossed in a tangy dressing made with olive oil (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), this light and healthy salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal as a quick lunch or a delightful side for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 200g cooked pasta (fusilli, farfalle, or penne recommended)
- 100g fresh peas
Herbs and Flavorings
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Dressing
- 4 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or almonds (optional)
- 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta (plant-based) or goat cheese (plant-based) (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta and peas: Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. In the last two minutes of cooking, add fresh peas to the boiling water to soften them slightly. Drain together, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the ingredients fresh.
- Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper. This bright, tangy dressing will perfectly coat the pasta and peas.
- Combine herbs and pasta: Finely chop fresh parsley, basil, and mint, then toss them into the cooled pasta and peas. The herbs bring an incredible burst of freshness to the mix.
- Add dressing and toss: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to ensure every bite is flavorful. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Chill and serve: Let the Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve it slightly cool or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest to add essential citrus oils enhancing flavor.
- Cook peas last to maintain their vibrant color and sweet snap.
- Toss gently to avoid crushing delicate herbs and peas.
- Adjust acidity by balancing lemon juice with olive oil (natural) based on preference.
- Chilling the salad before serving helps flavors develop and meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pea pasta salad, herbed pasta salad, lemon pasta salad, plant-based salad, vegetarian pasta salad, fresh herb salad, light pasta dish