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Creamy Asparagus Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy 5-ingredient pasta salad featuring tender asparagus, crisp radishes, and a silky creamy dressing. Perfect for a fresh, satisfying lunch or a light side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 bunch (about 12 ounces) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4–5 medium radishes, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh herbs like dill or parsley for garnish
  • Optional: Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, bring another pot of water to boil. Add trimmed asparagus pieces and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer to ice water or rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Drain well.
  3. Thinly slice 4-5 medium radishes using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Set aside.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste until smooth and emulsified.
  5. Add cooled pasta, blanched asparagus, and sliced radishes to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly. Fold in fresh chopped herbs if using.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, toss gently and add extra black pepper or Parmesan if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta or asparagus to maintain texture. Rinse pasta after cooking to stop cooking and cool it down. Slice radishes thinly for best crunch. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Optional add-ins include fresh herbs, Parmesan, or nuts. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for vegan, use plant-based mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: asparagus pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, easy lunch recipe, 5-ingredient salad, radish crunch, quick pasta salad

Find it online: https://larameals.com/creamy-asparagus-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-lunch-idea/