Description
This Asparagus Pasta Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a bright and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch. Tender asparagus, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy cheese are tossed with pasta and a tangy honey mustard dressing for a refreshing and satisfying salad.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound pasta (penne, farfalle, etc.), cooked al dente
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound asparagus, woody stems removed and cut into thirds
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces white cheddar or fontina cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, etc.)
Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Honey Mustard Dressing:
- Whisk Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Emulsify: Slowly stream in extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified.
- Set Aside: Set aside or store in the refrigerator for later use.
Pasta Salad:
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
- Cook Asparagus: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus, salt, and pepper. Cook, tossing frequently, until bright green and slightly softened. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked asparagus, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and cubed cheese.
- Dress Salad: Pour honey mustard dressing over the pasta salad and toss well to combine.
- Season and Add Herbs: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in chopped fresh herbs.
- Serve: Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If making ahead, add fresh herbs just before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite short pasta shape.
- Adjust the amount of honey and Dijon mustard in the dressing to your taste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or red onions.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
