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–+ servings
Spring Pasta Salad

Fresh Spring Pasta Salad with Lemony Caper Vinaigrette

Delight in this vibrant Spring Pasta Salad, perfect for quick meals or impressing guests.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Pasta Opt for whole wheat for added fiber.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved for sweetness.
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion Sliced thinly for sharpness.
  • 1 can Canned Artichokes Drained and halved.
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts Chopped; replace with pecans or omit for nut-free.
  • 1 cup Asparagus Trimmed and sliced diagonally.
  • 1/2 cup Feta Crumble for creaminess.
  • 1 cup Microgreens Substitute with spinach or arugula.
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Avocado Oil Substitute with olive oil if preferred.
  • 2 tbsp Capers Provides a briny flavor.
  • 1 small Shallot Finely chopped.
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Opt for extra virgin for superior flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Adds depth to the vinaigrette.
  • 1 tbsp Honey Provides sweetness.
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Adds tanginess.
  • to taste Salt & Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, cut the artichokes in half, and trim the asparagus.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice and zest, avocado oil, capers, shallot, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and red wine vinegar to create the vinaigrette.
  4. Combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, red onion, artichokes, walnuts, and asparagus. Add crumbled feta and microgreens.
  5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

The salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it versatile for various occasions.

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