Description

Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing summer dish combining zesty lemon, sweet peas, mixed fresh herbs, and creamy plant-based cheese. Perfectly light yet satisfying, this pasta salad offers bright, fresh flavors and a colorful presentation ideal for picnics, meal prep, or summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

2 cups short pasta of choice (bowtie or fusilli)
1 cup fresh or frozen peas

Dressing

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 clove garlic, minced (natural)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Herbs and Cheese

1/4 cup mixed fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, basil, mint)
1/3 cup crumbled plant-based cheese

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until just tender but firm to the bite. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down for the salad.
Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), minced garlic (natural), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with fresh or thawed peas, chopped fresh herbs, and crumbled plant-based cheese. Pour in the lemon dressing and gently mix everything until fully coated.
Add Lemon Zest and Adjust Seasoning: Sprinkle finely grated lemon zest over the salad to intensify the citrus aroma. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and ensure a refreshing bite.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushy textures and maintain a delightful bite.
Use fresh herbs generously for maximum fragrance and flavor.
Chill the salad before serving to enhance refreshing qualities.
Add peas last when combining for the best texture contrast.
Use extra virgin olive oil (natural) for its fruity notes that complement lemon and herbs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: lemon pasta salad, herbed pasta salad, summer salad, plant-based cheese pasta, pea pasta salad, fresh herb pasta salad, gluten free pasta salad