Get ready to transform your ordinary mealtime into a culinary adventure with this vibrant and irresistible Pasta and Pea Salad! Imagine a dish that's not just a side, but a star attraction that combines the freshness of crisp vegetables, perfectly cooked pasta, and a zesty dressing that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're planning a picnic, a potluck, or just craving a light and delicious meal, this recipe is your ticket to instant kitchen fame.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup peas, frozen or fresh
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of pasta, 1 cup of peas, 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of red onion, 1/4 cup of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 2 cups of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. If using fresh peas, rinse them under cold water. For frozen peas, no need to thaw; they will cook quickly in the next steps.
- After the pasta has cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 1 cup of peas, and 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Add the 1/4 cup of diced red onion for added flavor.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the 1/4 cup of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can add a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined. If the salad seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to help loosen it up.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- Let the pasta and pea salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Enjoy your delicious Pasta and Pea Salad as a light main dish or a side dish to complement your favorite protein!
Tips
- Choose the right pasta: Use short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle that can hold the dressing and catch the small peas.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente texture to prevent a mushy salad. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Use fresh ingredients: If possible, opt for fresh peas and ripe cherry tomatoes to enhance the salad's flavor profile.
- Let it marinate: Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend together beautifully.
- Customize your dressing: Experiment with different vinegars or add fresh herbs like basil or mint to create your unique twist.
- Make ahead friendly: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Keep it creamy (optional): Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 162kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
