Description
Lemony Artichoke Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brightens up any meal. This easy-to-make salad combines al dente pasta with tender asparagus and artichokes, all tossed in a zesty lemon basil vinaigrette. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners, this versatile recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. With a delightful balance of flavors and textures, it serves beautifully as a main course or side dish. Enjoy it fresh or let the flavors meld overnight for an even tastier experience. Whether you’re entertaining guests or meal prepping for the week, this Lemony Artichoke Pasta Salad is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound uncooked pasta (gemelli recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound asparagus, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
- 1 (14 oz) jar artichoke hearts, drained and halved
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1/4 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup roughly-chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- To make the vinaigrette, combine lemon juice, olive oil, chopped basil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar. Seal and shake until emulsified.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté asparagus for about 5 minutes; add garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl or pot, combine chilled pasta, vinaigrette, asparagus mixture, artichokes, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Toss well.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg