This English Pea Pasta Salad is a fresh and colorful dish, perfect for any meal! With sweet peas, pasta, and a light dressing, it’s both tasty and easy to make.
I love how this salad is bright and cheerful! It’s great for a picnic or as a side at dinner. Plus, you can whip it up in no time—perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used rotini because it holds the dressing well, but you can swap it for any spiral pasta, like fusilli or gemelli. Gluten-free pasta works great too for those with dietary restrictions.
English Peas: Fresh peas add a sweet crunch, but frozen peas are a perfect substitute and require no prep. Just toss them in while they’re still frozen!
Asparagus: I love using fresh asparagus for its tender bite. If it’s out of season, try green beans or snap peas for a different texture.
Cheese: Small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) are super creamy in this salad. If you’d like, you can substitute feta cheese for a tangier flavor or use a vegan cheese alternative if you’re dairy-free.
Dressing: Mayonnaise is creamy, but for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is fantastic. You can also use a plant-based yogurt if you’re looking for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Properly Blanch Vegetables?
Blanching veggies is key to keeping them vibrant and tender-crisp. It’s simple and makes a difference! Here’s how to do it:
- Boil salted water in a large pot.
- Add your pasta first, cooking for the time indicated on the package.
- During the last two minutes, stir in your asparagus and peas, allowing them to cook briefly.
- Quickly drain everything and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps veggies bright.
Blanching ensures your salad has fresh flavors and colors, and it’s a technique I always use for veggie-packed dishes!
How to Make English Pea Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen English peas
- 1 cup fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- Olive oil (optional, 1 tablespoon to drizzle)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious English Pea Pasta Salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook, along with an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you’ll be enjoying this fresh salad in about an hour. Perfect for a quick meal or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta and Blanch the Veggies:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When there are just 2 minutes left in the cooking time, toss in the fresh asparagus pieces and peas to blanch them. After everything is cooked, drain it and give it a good rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it sit to drain thoroughly.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill. Give it a good mix until everything is well blended and creamy.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients:
Add the cooled pasta, peas, and asparagus to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together to ensure that all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
4. Fold in the Cheese and Season:
Now, carefully fold in the mozzarella balls. Season the salad with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. If you’d like, drizzle in some olive oil for an extra touch of richness.
5. Adjust and Chill:
Give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Once you’re satisfied, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, take the salad out of the fridge and garnish it with additional fresh dill for a lovely finish. Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful, creamy pasta salad—perfect for a side dish or a light lunch!
Can I Use Other Pasta Types Instead of Rotini?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, you can use any spiral pasta like fusilli or even penne. Gluten-free pasta is also a fantastic option if you’re avoiding gluten.
How Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply swap the mayonnaise for a plant-based mayonnaise or Greek yogurt alternative. You can also use vegan mozzarella cheese for a delicious dairy-free option!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance! Just cover it and refrigerate. The flavors will deepen, and it’ll be ready to serve when you are. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some moisture, so you may want to add a little extra dressing when you serve it again.
