• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Love, Chef Laura
  • Recipe Box
  • Resources
  • About Me
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Box
  • Resources
  • About Me
  • Contact
    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Side Dishes » Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad

    Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad

    April 21, 2021 By lovecheflaura Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad is tossed in a lemon vinaigrette with fresh asparagus, red onion, pistachios, parsley, and basil. It is the perfect side dish to grilled chicken or hamburgers or it can be enjoyed all by itself. I used Jovial Grain-free Penne Pasta for this recipe to keep it grain-free while being able to still enjoy my favorite summer side dish.

    I won't lie, adopting a grain-free diet was fairly hard in the beginning. When I started, I was already gluten-free so I think that made the transition easier. The hardest part was having to give up pasta. Thankfully one of my favorite gluten-free pasta companies came out with a grain-free pasta line and let me tell you, I am in love! I can enjoy pasta night alongside my family without feeling felt out. It is so good! You can buy Jovial Grain-free Penne Pasta here.

    Jump to:
    • YouTube Video
    • How to make Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad
    • Should I rinse my pasta salad?
    • How do you keep pasta salad moist?
    • Can you make pasta salad ahead?
    • How long is pasta salad good for?
    • Can I make this recipe with regular pasta?
    • What goes well with pasta salad?
    • Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad

    YouTube Video

    How to make Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad

    The first step is to boil the pasta according to the directions, for about 13 minutes. After the pasta has cooked, immediately strain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

    The second step is to blanch the asparagus. Chop the asparagus and cook for about 2-3 minutes in boiling water. Once cooked, strain and place in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. The cold water will also give the asparagus a bright and vibrant look.

    Toss the asparagus into the bowl with the pasta along with the chopped red onion, basil, pistachios, and parsley. Make the vinaigrette by placing all the ingredients in a mason jar and shake. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the pasta and toss. Either enjoy immediately or cover and place in the fridge for later.

    Should I rinse my pasta salad?

    Yes! Make sure to rinse your pasta salad after it has boiled and cooked. Rinsing pasta under cold water will stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from getting overcooked. Plus it will wash away any starches that will leave the pasta sticky.

    Lemon asparagus pasta salad with lemon and parsley

    How do you keep pasta salad moist?

    I always like to reserve a little vinaigrette or dressing and toss it on right before serving. This will rehydrate the pasta and make sure everything is coasted well. If you make the pasta salad ahead of time, make sure it's covered well to prevent it from drying out even further.

    Can you make pasta salad ahead?

    Absolutely! While making pasta salad the day of is preferred, it can typically be made one to two days ahead. Reserve a small amount of the vinaigrette or dressing and toss it in the pasta salad right before serving. This will make sure the pasta salad is nice and moist.

    How long is pasta salad good for?

    Pasta salad can be stored in an air-tight container for up to two days. This Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad is delicious for a day or two, but be aware that the acid from the lemon juice will start to turn the asparagus a yellow color. Don'tworry, it doesn't change the flavor and the asparagus is still safe to eat.

    Can I make this recipe with regular pasta?

    Yes, absolutely! I am on a grain-free diet so all of my recipes are considered paleo. This recipe can be adapted to use regular, gluten-free, or lentil/bean pasta. Simply follow the cooking directions on the pasta. The rest of the recipe doesn't change.

    What goes well with pasta salad?

    My favorite way to enjoy pasta salads is by tossing in some roasted and cut-up chicken to make a whole meal! Quick, easy, and delicious! If that is not your thing, here are some of my favorite protein recipes to serve alongside pasta salad:

    • The Best Grilled Chicken
    • Beef Hamburgers
    • Beef Skewers
    • Grilled Mango Lime Chicken
    • Baked or grilled salmon
    Aerial view of lemon asparagus pasta salad with lemon, pistachios and parsley

    Looking for more side dish recipes? Make sure to check out these Zucchini Fritters, Smashed Potatoes with Gremolata, and Arugula and potato salad.

    Love Chef Laura signature
    Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad in a bowl
    Print Recipe
    4.13 from 8 votes

    Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad

    Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad is tossed with chopped asparagus, red onion, pistachios, parsley, and basil and then drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette for a springy side dish.
    Prep Time45 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time1 hour hr
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: dairy-free, grain-free, pasta, side dish
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 160.1kcal

    Ingredients

    For the vinaigrette:

    • ¼ cup lemon juice
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 1 small clove of garlic, grated
    • 1 tsp stone ground mustard
    • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
    • pinch of salt and black pepper

    For the pasta salad:

    • 1 box Jovial Grain-free Penne Pasta
    • 1 cup chopped asparagus, about 9 stalks
    • 2 tbsp chopped red onion
    • 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
    • handful of fresh basil, chopped
    • handful of fresh parsley, chopped

    Instructions

    • Boil some water in a large stockpot and cook the pasta according to the directions, about 13 minutes. Once cooked, strain and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Shake off as much water as possible then place the pasta in a large bowl and set it aside.
    • Chop the asparagus and boil in water for 2-3 minutes. The asparagus does not need to be cooked through. It's best to leave it a bit crunchy. Once cooked, place in a bowl with ice and cold water to stop the cooking process. Strain and place the asparagus in the bowl with the pasta.
    • Place the vinaigrette ingredients in a glass container like a mason jar and shake. Add the chopped red onion, pistachios, basil, and parsley, to the bowl of pasta and drizzle the dressing over top. Toss and make sure everything is well coated. Serve immediately or cover and place in the fridge for later.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 160.1kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.7g | Protein: 1.7g | Fat: 15.3g | Saturated Fat: 2.1g | Sodium: 15.7mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 1.3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 270.8IU | Vitamin C: 8.6mg | Calcium: 16.4mg | Iron: 1mg

    This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may make a commission on your purchase. If you do buy, thank you! Your purchase allows me to continue sharing healthy and delicious recipes!

    « Dairy-free Mango Lassi
    Lemon Raspberry Sweet Bread »

    Reader Interactions

    4.13 from 8 votes (8 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    New Recipes

    • earl grey london fog latte
      London Fog Tea Latte
    • Aerial view of peanut butter chocolate chip energy bites
      Sunbutter Chocolate Chip Energy Bites
    • Photo collage showing the best healthy pumpkin recipes
      The BEST Healthy Pumpkin Recipes
    • Two frozen lemonades with fresh lemon on the rim of the glass
      Frozen Lemonade

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs
    • Grilled Mango Lime Chicken
    • Dairy-Free Tzatziki Sauce
    • Two-ingredient Marshmallow Fluff

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    RECIPE BOX

    ABOUT ME

    CONTACT

    PRIVACY POLICY

    DISCLAIMER

    TERMS & CONDITIONS

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Love, Chef Laura

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.