The bright, fresh flavors of spring peas take center stage in this pasta salad, transforming a simple dish into something special. The peas themselves offer a burst of sweetness, perfectly complemented by the creamy richness of a tangy lemon dressing. As you toss the pasta with the peas, there’s this delightful contrast in textures—the soft pasta paired with the crisp snap of the peas makes each bite a little joy. And if you’re lucky enough to find some tender baby peas at the market, you’ll get that added sweetness and vibrancy that screams “spring.” The lightness of the salad makes it feel like a celebration of the season, with every forkful reminding you that the warmer months are finally here. Plus, the salad can be customized with a handful of your favorite herbs or some crunchy toasted nuts, making it your own. Whether you’re serving it for a picnic or a weeknight dinner, this spring pea pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients in Spring Pea Pasta Salad
Every ingredient in this spring pea pasta salad has a specific role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the sweet pop of peas to the zesty bite of lemon, each one contributes something special to this vibrant dish.
* Pasta
The base of the salad, pasta adds substance and heartiness. It holds onto the dressing and complements the fresh vegetables, providing the perfect backdrop for all those bright, fresh flavors.
* Fresh Peas
The star of the dish! Fresh peas bring a burst of natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch that’s just perfect for a springtime salad. The peas add that unmistakable “spring” vibe, making this dish feel fresh and light.
* Cherry Tomatoes, halved
Juicy, tangy, and slightly sweet, cherry tomatoes offer a pop of color and a juicy bite. Their natural acidity pairs beautifully with the creamy lemon dressing and balances out the sweetness of the peas.
* Red Onion, thinly sliced
The red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite that contrasts with the other milder ingredients. It brings a bit of tangy freshness that cuts through the richness of the olive oil and dressing.
* Fresh Basil, chopped
Basil is a fragrant herb that infuses the salad with a herby aroma and a touch of peppery sweetness. It gives a vibrant green hue and a burst of fresh flavor that brings everything together.
* Olive Oil
Olive oil is the backbone of the tangy dressing, adding a smooth, rich texture that helps emulsify the lemon juice and mustard. It also gives the salad a silky finish that ties all the ingredients together.
* Lemon Juice
Bright, tangy, and refreshing, lemon juice elevates the salad with its citrusy zing. It adds the perfect amount of acidity to balance the sweetness of the peas and the richness of the olive oil.
* Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard provides a subtle sharpness and depth to the dressing. It helps balance the sweetness from the honey and brings a slightly spicy undertone that enhances the flavors of the entire salad.
* Honey
A touch of honey rounds out the flavors by adding a bit of sweetness to the dressing. It contrasts with the acidity of the lemon and the sharpness of the mustard, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
* Salt, to taste
Salt enhances all the natural flavors in the salad. It’s key to bringing out the sweetness in the peas, tomatoes, and honey, while also balancing the tang of the lemon and mustard.
* Black Pepper, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of heat and spice to the dressing, helping to elevate all the other flavors and giving the salad a bit of extra warmth.
How to Make Spring Pea Pasta Salad
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. This will be used to cook the pasta and peas. Make sure to add enough salt so the water tastes like the sea; this helps season the pasta as it cooks.
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. You want the pasta to be cooked through but still firm to the bite.
3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the peas by placing them in a small pot of boiling water for about 2 to 3 minutes until tender. Once they’re done, drain and set them aside to cool slightly.
4. Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool it down. This will stop the cooking process and help the pasta keep its firm texture.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the peas. Give them a good toss so they’re evenly mixed.
6. Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the pasta and peas. Their juicy, tangy bite will bring a nice contrast to the other ingredients.
7. Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl. The red onion will bring a little sharpness and crunch to balance the sweetness of the peas and tomatoes.
8. Chop the fresh basil and sprinkle it into the bowl as well. The basil will add a fragrant, peppery kick that elevates the whole dish.
9. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey until the dressing is smooth and well combined. This will create a creamy, tangy base for your salad.
10. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Make sure each piece of pasta and vegetable gets a good amount of dressing.
11. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. You want to make sure the flavors are balanced, so taste as you go and tweak as necessary.
12. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Letting it chill will give the dressing a chance to soak in and make every bite even more flavorful!
Serving Suggestions for Spring Pea Pasta Salad
* Pair with Grilled Chicken
For a heartier meal, serve this spring pea pasta salad alongside grilled chicken. The tender, smoky flavor of the chicken complements the fresh, bright flavors of the salad, making it the perfect addition for a more substantial dish.
* Serve with a Side of Crusty Bread
A crusty baguette or a slice of toasted sourdough is the perfect vehicle for scooping up any leftover dressing. It adds a satisfying crunch and richness that balances out the lightness of the salad.
* Add Crunch with Toasted Nuts
For an extra layer of texture and a nutty finish, toss in some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds. The crunch and slight earthiness from the nuts elevate the salad, making it feel a bit more indulgent without overshadowing its fresh flavors.
How to Store Spring Pea Pasta Salad
Storing this vibrant salad properly will ensure it stays fresh and flavorful for the next day (or a few days after!). Here are a few simple tips:
* Refrigerate in an airtight container
After serving, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. This will help keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from other foods. It’ll stay delicious for up to 2–3 days!
* Keep the dressing separate
If you’re planning to store leftovers, keep the dressing separate. Dress the salad right before serving to avoid soggy pasta and vegetables. The dressing can be stored in a small jar or container in the fridge for up to a week.
* Add fresh herbs last
If you want to keep the salad tasting as fresh as possible, add the basil and any other fresh herbs just before serving. This will preserve their color and fragrance, giving your salad that fresh-from-the-kitchen feel even when it’s been in the fridge.
Conclusion
And there you have it—your ultimate guide to making the perfect spring pea pasta salad! Whether you’re celebrating the season or just craving something fresh and light, this dish brings all the right flavors and textures to the table. From the sweet pop of peas to the tangy lemon dressing, every bite feels like a little taste of sunshine.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this salad as much as I do! Don’t forget to save it for later use, and feel free to come back anytime if you have any questions, feedback, or just want to share how it turned out for you. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so if you tweak the recipe to make it your own, I’d love to hear all about it.
Spring Pea Pasta Salad
Description
Vibrant green peas mingle with tender pasta, fresh herbs, and a light, tangy dressing. This spring pea pasta salad is refreshing, crisp, and packed with bright flavors, perfect for any sunny day or outdoor gathering. It's like a bite of spring on your plate!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
-
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente.
-
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the peas by placing them in a small pot of boiling water for about 2 to 3 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside.
-
Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the peas.
-
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the pasta and peas.
-
Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl.
-
Chop the fresh basil and sprinkle it into the bowl as well.
-
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
-
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
-
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
-
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Note
- Make sure to rinse the pasta thoroughly after draining to prevent it from sticking together while it cools.
- For a creamier dressing, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the vinaigrette.
- Feel free to substitute frozen peas if fresh ones are unavailable; just blanch them briefly.
- Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra flavor and richness.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two days.
