Easy Made Spring Pea Pasta Salad – Fresh, Creamy

Spring Pea Pasta Salad ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from pasta salad lovers and home cooks)
Bright and Fresh | Creamy Texture | Family-Approved
Spring Pea Pasta Salad is a light yet satisfying dish that celebrates fresh spring flavors. Tender pasta, sweet peas, and a creamy lemon dressing come together for a refreshing side or easy main that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, and weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Spring Pea Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6
Budget-Friendly
Texture: Creamy with tender bites
Perfect For: Spring gatherings, picnics, and meal prep

Spring Pea Pasta Salad Ingredients – Simple and Seasonal

• 12 oz short pasta (farfalle, rotini, or penne)
• 1½ cups green peas, fresh or frozen
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Creamy Lemon Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

How to Make Spring Pea Pasta Salad – Easy and Flavorful

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Add peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse with cool water.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, combine pasta, peas, Parmesan cheese, red onion, and herbs. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Add-Ins and Variations

• Add crispy bacon or pancetta
• Toss in cherry tomatoes
• Use feta instead of Parmesan
• Add grilled chicken for a main dish

What Everyone’s Saying About This Pasta Salad

“Fresh, creamy, and perfect for spring gatherings.” – Laura M.
“The lemon dressing is bright and delicious.” – Brian S.
“This disappeared fast at our picnic.” – Hannah T.

🌱 Spring Pea Pasta Salad – Fresh, Creamy, and Perfect for Warm Days

This Spring Pea Pasta Salad is light, vibrant, and full of spring flavor. Sweet peas, tender pasta, fresh herbs, and a creamy lemon dressing come together in an easy dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Side Dish or Light Main

Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired, Spring

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz short pasta bowties, shells, or rotini
• 1½ cups green peas fresh or frozen
• ½ cup crumbled feta or grated Parmesan
• ¼ cup red onion finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh mint chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil chopped
• Dressing
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional add-ins: asparagus tips baby spinach, grilled chicken, or crispy bacon

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. If using frozen peas, add them to the hot pasta for the last 30 seconds of cooking, then drain together.
3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, peas, feta (or Parmesan), red onion, mint, and herbs.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
5. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Fresh peas add sweetness, but frozen peas work perfectly too.

Mint gives a bright spring flavor—don’t skip it if possible.

Add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a main dish.

Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQ – Spring Pea Pasta Salad

This Spring Pea Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with Cristal Recipes’ Balsamic Vinaigrette, adding a bright, balanced flavor that ties everything together.