why make this recipe
Roasted Asparagus Lemon Butter Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors and comforting textures. Asparagus is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, making it a healthy addition to your meal. This pasta salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish for gatherings. It’s simple to prepare and offers a light yet satisfying option that everyone will enjoy.
how to make Roasted Asparagus Lemon Butter Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 large bunch of fresh asparagus, about 14-16 spears
- 1 whole lemon, zested and juiced
- 450 grams pasta, cooked, drained, and cooled
- 0.5 cup green onions, sliced
- 0.5 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes, packed in oil
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons oil, from the jar of sun dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds for garnish, optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Wash and chop the asparagus into one-inch pieces. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the asparagus evenly on a baking sheet. Dot with butter.
- Roast in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water. Once cooked, cool the pasta completely by running it under cold water. This helps remove the starch.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta and asparagus.
- Add sun dried tomatoes, the oil from the sun dried tomatoes, green onions, parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and any leftover oil or butter mixture from the baking sheet.
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape the pan clean and toss all the ingredients together.
- Season with more salt and pepper as needed.
- Pour the pasta salad into a large serving bowl. Garnish with sesame seeds, parsley, and additional parmesan if desired.
- Serve and enjoy! Pasta can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
how to serve Roasted Asparagus Lemon Butter Pasta Salad
Serve this pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a wonderful main dish or a side for grilled chicken or fish. You can also pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
how to store Roasted Asparagus Lemon Butter Pasta Salad
To store any leftover pasta salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to three days. Before serving again, give it a good toss, and add a little more olive oil or lemon juice to refresh the flavors if needed.
tips to make Roasted Asparagus Lemon Butter Pasta Salad
- To save time, prepare the pasta and asparagus ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you are ready to mix everything together.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for additional color and flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
variation
You can add diced grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh basil.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen asparagus for this pasta salad?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before roasting.
2. How do I make this pasta salad gluten-free?
Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and enjoy the next day.