Why Make This Recipe
Easy Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad is a simple and fresh dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines the sweetness of peas with bright lemon and vibrant herbs. This pasta salad is not only delicious but also healthy and filling. It’s a great side dish for barbecues, picnics, or just a quick meal at home. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days.
How to Make Easy Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (I always use De Cecco fusilli for better sauce cling)
- 4.5 cups peas
- 2 cups pea shoots
- 2/3 cup olive oil (I prefer Filippi Berio extra virgin for this)
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp white pepper
- 5 scallions
- 1 shallot (finely minced, about 1/8-inch pieces)
- 1 cup mint
- 1 cup parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- Zest of 2 lemons (removed in long strips before juicing)
- 1 tbsp truffle oil (optional but recommended for extra richness)
Directions
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While waiting for water to boil, prepare all your ingredients to ensure smooth cooking. Finely mince the shallot and slice the scallions into thin rounds, keeping the white and green parts separate.
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Roughly chop the mint, parsley, and dill. Don’t over-process them; you want to see visible pieces of herbs. Zest the lemons using a microplane or vegetable peeler for beautiful long strips, then juice them to get 1/3 cup of juice.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and white pepper. This creates a dressing base that will let the flavors blend while you cook the pasta.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. During the last minute of cooking, add the peas to warm them up.
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Drain everything in a colander, shaking gently to remove excess water. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
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Transfer the hot pasta and peas directly into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the dressing and toss gently to coat everything. The warm pasta absorbs the flavor better than cold pasta.
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Fold in the pea shoots, the white and light green parts of the scallions, minced shallot, and all the chopped herbs. Add the lemon zest strips last, folding them in gently so they remain visible.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or lemon juice if needed. The salad should taste bright and fresh.
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Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish. Drizzle with truffle oil if using, for added richness. Garnish with the reserved dark green scallion tops for color and a fresh bite. Serve immediately while still slightly warm for the best flavors.
How to Serve Easy Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad
This pasta salad can be served as a side dish or a main dish. It pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or other salads. It’s also lovely on its own, especially when served slightly warm. You can add extra toppings like grated cheese or toasted nuts for more texture.
How to Store Easy Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad can last for up to 3 days. If it seems a bit dry upon reheating, you can add a splash more olive oil or lemon juice to freshen it up.
Tips to Make Easy Herbed Pea and Lemon Pasta Salad
- Make sure to chop your herbs finely but not too small, as you want to see them in the salad.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs according to your preference. Basil or cilantro could also work well.
- For a twist, try using whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.
- You can add other veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for more color and flavor.
Variations
You can customize this pasta salad in many ways. Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. For a vegan version, simply omit the truffle oil or choose a plant-based olive oil alternative. You can also substitute the peas with other vegetables like asparagus or green beans.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peas work great in this recipe. Just add them to the boiling pasta in the last minute, just like fresh peas.
Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
Absolutely! This salad tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Just store it in the fridge and serve it cold or at room temperature.
Is truffle oil necessary?
No, truffle oil is optional. It adds a luxurious touch, but the pasta salad is still delicious without it. Adjust based on your personal taste.
