Red Gold and Green Asparagus Tomato Pasta Salad
Brighten your table with the vibrant flavors of Red Gold and Green Asparagus Tomato Pasta Salad, a stunning dish that celebrates the best of Mediterranean cuisine. This quick and easy recipe combines tender penne pasta, crisp blanched asparagus, and sweet cherry tomatoes for a fresh burst of color and texture. Tossed in an irresistibly creamy basil pesto dressing with a hint of zesty lemon and finished with delicate shavings of parmesan cheese, this pasta salad is as delicious as it is eye-catching. Perfect as a chilled side dish, a light lunch, or an elegant potluck contribution, it comes together in just 30 minutes and is sure to dazzle guests with its garden-fresh appeal.
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Ingredients
- 250 grams penne pasta
- 300 grams asparagus spears
- 200 grams cherry tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 50 grams parmesan cheese (shaved)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 5 grams fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
Step 2
2. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut the spears into 2-inch pieces. Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to preserve the bright green color. Drain again and pat dry.
Step 3
3. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
Step 4
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes.
Step 5
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly.
Step 6
6. Gently fold in the shaved parmesan cheese.
Step 7
7. Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl and garnish with optional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Step 8
8. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your Red Gold and Green Asparagus Tomato Pasta Salad!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (914.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1707.6 |
| Total Fat 71.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 17.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 50.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2276.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 210.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 12.1g | |
| Protein 65.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 10.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 924.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 17.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1953.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories