Description
Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and plant-based dish combining tender short pasta, sweet peas, fragrant herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for lunch, potlucks, or a light dinner, it features a balance of bright citrus, crunchy pine nuts, and creamy plant-based feta for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Peas
- 2 cups short pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup fresh peas or thawed frozen peas
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Herbs and Toppings
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup crumbled plant-based feta cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta, helping keep the salad fresh.
- Prepare the Peas: If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender, then plunge into ice water. For frozen peas, thaw under cool running water.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil (natural), minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper until emulsified, forming a zesty dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked pasta, peas, and chopped parsley, mint, and dill. Pour the dressing over and mix until everything is evenly coated and vibrant.
- Finish with Toppings: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts and crumbled plant-based feta cheese on top. Toss lightly or leave as a topping to add crunchy and creamy texture contrasts.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs to maintain brightness and flavor.
- Drain pasta thoroughly to avoid diluting the dressing.
- Toss the salad with dressing just before serving for best texture.
- Rinse cooked pasta under cold water to halt cooking and add refreshment.
- Lightly toast pine nuts to enhance aroma and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pea pasta salad, lemon pasta salad, plant-based pasta salad, herb pasta salad, vegan pasta salad