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Spring Pea Pasta Salad

🌱 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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
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
  • â…“ 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.