Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! Let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer dish: Lemon-Dijon Asparagus and Pea Macaroni Salad. This salad not only tastes fresh and vibrant but also brings back sweet memories of summer barbecues and picnics with my family. I can almost hear the laughter and feel that warm sunshine on my face every time I whip it up!
Believe me, there’s something magical about the combination of tender asparagus, sweet peas, and a zesty dressing that just screams “good times” to me. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply craving a delicious side dish, this macaroni salad is a winner. Plus, it’s oh-so-simple to make, so you can enjoy all that socializing without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive in, shall we?
What’s in Lemon-Dijon Asparagus and Pea Macaroni Salad?
Let’s break down the ingredients, shall we? These are what make this dish shine:
Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds all the delicious flavors in each bite. I usually opt for whole wheat macaroni for a bit of extra fiber!
Asparagus: Fresh and bright green, asparagus adds a lovely crunch and springtime flavor to the salad. Don’t forget to snap off the tough ends; they’re about to become your new best friend in the kitchen!
Frozen Peas: These beauties add a pop of sweetness and are super easy to use—in fact, you don’t even have to thaw them before tossing them in!
Red Onion: A bit of finely chopped red onion goes a long way in providing that sharp bite to the salad. Just remember—no one wants onion breath at a summer gathering!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a lovely tang and chewiness that balances out the dish perfectly. I personally adore using the ones packed in oil for added flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Bright and herbal, fresh parsley adds some freshness in both color and taste. It’s a great idea to chop this as finely as you can for even distribution.
Lemon: Both the juice and zest are essential for providing that refreshing zing that elevates this salad to new heights.
Dijon Mustard: This creamy mustard is the secret weapon in the dressing. It provides warmth and depth—trust me, you won’t want to skip it!
Olive Oil: The base for your dressing, use a good-quality olive oil because it truly makes all the difference. A fruity olive oil can really enhance the salad’s flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Basic but necessary to bring all these lovely flavors together. Adjust these to your taste!
Is Lemon-Dijon Asparagus and Pea Macaroni Salad Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! This salad not only tastes good, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients.
Asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K and is a great source of folate. It’s also known for being low in calories while high in fiber—which is always a win in my book!
Peas are loaded with protein; they’re surprisingly high in antioxidants, too.
Don’t get me started on lemon—it’s refreshing, hydrating, and loaded with vitamin C, helping support your immune system.
Even pasta can have its benefits; if you choose a whole-grain or legume-based option, it brings fiber to the party, which is always a good thing!
However, if you’re sensitive to high-carb foods, you may want to watch your portions. But trust me when I say that a balanced dish like this, alongside a bit of good company outdoors, can’t be beat!
Ingredients
– 8 oz elbow macaroni
– 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 lemon, juiced and zested
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, perfect for sharing (or not!).
How to Make Lemon-Dijon Asparagus and Pea Macaroni Salad?
1. Start off by cooking your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Be sure to give it a good rinse under cold water to cool it down; nobody wants hot pasta in a salad!
2. In a large pot, bring some water to a rolling boil and toss in the chopped asparagus. After about 2-3 minutes, when it’s bright green and tender-crisp, throw in the frozen peas for the last minute. Drain and give them a quick rinse in cold water as well.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, asparagus, peas, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and parsley. Just look at that vibrant color!
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour the tangy dressing all over your macaroni salad and toss gently to ensure everything is well-coated.
6. Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. It’s worth the wait, I promise!
7. Serve it up chilled or at room temperature, garnished with some extra parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Flavor
– Want to make it a little more filling? Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
– For a bit of kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can bring a lovely warmth.
– This salad also makes for fantastic leftovers, so don’t hesitate to double the batch!
I hope you give this Lemon-Dijon Asparagus and Pea Macaroni Salad a try! It’s honestly one of those recipes that never fails to make you feel good—both in flavor and in heart. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!
