Meal Prep This Light Asparagus Pasta Salad | Perfect for Lunch or Sides

prosciutto

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: ham

Turkey bacon is lower in fat, while ham is more budget-friendly.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, while pecorino offers a similar flavor.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola oil is often less expensive.

fresh basil

🥗Healthier: spinach

💰Cheaper: dried basil

Spinach adds nutrients, while dried basil is more cost-effective.

Boil salted water in a large pot.

Add 2 cups elbow macaroni to boiling water and stir.

Prepare the dressing by mixing 1/3 cup mayonnaise, zest and juice of 1 lemon, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, and 2 cloves minced garlic in a bowl; season with salt and pepper.

Keep an eye on the macaroni, stirring occasionally.

About 4 minutes before the macaroni is done, add trimmed asparagus to the pot.

1 minute before draining, add frozen peas to the pot.

Drain the pasta and vegetables in a colander.

Prepare an ice bath in a bowl and add water; transfer the drained pasta and vegetables to the ice bath to stop cooking.

After cooling for 1-2 minutes, drain again and transfer to a mixing bowl.

Add 1/2 cup chopped sundried tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped bell peppers, and chopped cilantro to the pasta mixture.

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix well.

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more mayo if needed before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens