My garden is filling in nicely, and all this green has me inspired. This pasta salad is a little taste of spring—exploding with nutritional superstars. There are enough greens to make it healthy, but enough pasta and cheese to make it a treat.
Dave devoured it, so you can trust that it’s delicious in spite of itself.
Don’t skimp on the lemon—it brings the taste to the next level.
Go green pasta salad
You’ll need:
1 lb pasta
1 cup peas
3 cups baby arugula
12 stalks asparagus
12 large brussels sprouts
4 green onion stalks, chopped
Juice from one whole lemon
A block of pecorino or other hard italian cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
For pea pesto:
1/2 cup peas
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1-2 large cloves garlic
1/2 cup baby arugula
Blend all ingredients for pea pesto until smooth.
Cook pasta to al dente. Strain and then toss with pea pesto (add gradually—you might not need all of it). Set aside and allow to cool.
Meanwhile, bring a small pot of water to a boil over high heat. Chop asparagus and brussels sprouts into small, bite-sized pieces and cook in boiling water until slightly tender. You’ll want to remove the veggies from the heat before they lose their green color (and all their nutrients) so have an ice bath ready. When they begin to get tender, strain the veggies and add them straight to the ice bath.
When the pasta has cooled, add brussels sprouts, asparagus, chopped green onion, peas and arugula. Finish with a generous shaving of cheese, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.
12 Comments
Sarah
I love this, green is the colour of spring! So bright and light, perfect for warmer weather.
Anna (Hidden Ponies)
I am always looking for new pasta salads and hardly ever find any that call to me – but this looks wonderful! I can’t wait to try it.
Mari @ Oh, Sweet & Savory
After a few weeks of traveling and eating out, this simple, healthy salad is just what I need! I think I’ll make it tonight. Thank you for sharing!
Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above
Great recipe. We’re following from Buttercream Bake House Linky Party on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Would love to have you follow back. We are Adorned From Above at http://www.adornedfromabove.com
Debi and Charly
Cate @ Chez CateyLou
This looks so fresh and delicious! I wish I could grow veggies – not an option in my nyc apartment!
Arlene
Just found your blog via this weeks Cut Out & Keep newsletter. Beautiful photographs of easy to prepare food.
admin
Thanks Arlene!
Theresa
Tasty and amazingly healthy, my son devoured all from the plate, he never ate so many vegetables and often I had to force him eating, I`m so happy that now I have a healthy dish which he loves. Thanks for sharing
admin
Theresa–my husband too, hahah! So glad you liked it.
Paul
I’ve ben checking out your blog. I really like it. Simple but packed with great ideas, recipes and killer photography. Your blog being feature in women’s health magazine is well deserved!
admin
Thanks Paul!
Aurora
Love that, it’s colour of hope 😀