Description
A vibrant macaroni salad loaded with fresh asparagus, peas, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all enveloped in a creamy lemon-Dijon dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni Pasta
- 1 cup Fresh Asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup Frozen Peas
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Lemons, zested and juiced
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 1/4 tsp Fresh Ground Pepper
- 1/4 cup Curly Parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp Chives, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, according to package instructions. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the asparagus: While the pasta cools, trim the ends of the asparagus and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Bring a small pot of water to a boil, and blanch the asparagus for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and plunge into an ice bath to maintain that lovely color.
- Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, blanched asparagus, frozen peas, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, and chives.
- Whisk the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, and pepper. Ensure it’s well combined and creamy.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, gently folding everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with extra chives and parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
Make ahead for better flavor, and feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: macaroni salad, asparagus salad, spring salad, cold salad, pasta salad