Spring Pea Pasta Salad – Easy & Fresh Spring Recipe

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing meals, and nothing captures the season quite like this Spring Pea Pasta Salad. Bursting with fresh herbs, sweet peas, lemon zest, and a touch of indulgent truffle oil, this dish is a vibrant celebration of seasonal ingredients. Whether you serve it warm as a main course or chilled as a refreshing pasta salad, this recipe is easy to prepare, quick to make, and guaranteed to impress. It’s also vegan-adaptable, making it versatile for every table.

Why This Spring Pea Pasta Salad Belongs in Your Spring Menu

This Spring Pea Pasta Salad isn’t just a side dish — it’s a celebration of spring in every bite. Perfect for picnics, light lunches, or an elegant dinner starter, this recipe brings together fresh peas, herbs, and lemon in a way that’s both simple and elegant. Plus, it’s made in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal go-to for busy weeknights or spontaneous spring gatherings.

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes or less
• Fresh Spring Flavor: Packed with herbs, lemon, and crisp peas
• Versatile: Serve warm or chilled, with or without cheese
• Healthy: Rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins A & C

Fresh Ingredients That Shine in This Spring Pasta Salad

• Peas: Sweet and tender, peas are the heart of this dish. Use fresh if available, or frozen for convenience.
• Pasta: Short, twisty shapes like fusilli, rotini, or cavatappi hold the dressing well.
• Lemons: Zest and juice brighten every bite, enhancing the natural sweetness of the peas.
• Truffle Oil: Adds a luxurious, earthy aroma that transforms this simple salad into something extraordinary.
• Mint: Provides a cooling contrast and ties in beautifully with lemon and peas.
• Italian Parsley: Adds fresh, herbaceous depth.
• Tarragon (Optional): Adds subtle anise-like undertones for a gourmet twist.
• Scallions: Bring a sharp, green onion bite that complements the sweetness of the peas.
• Shallot: Milder than onion, shallots provide a nuanced depth to the salad.
• Pea Shoots: Delicate greens with a sweet, grassy flavor. Baby spinach or arugula are good substitutes.
• Olive Oil: Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a well-rounded finish.
• Goat Cheese Crumbles (Optional): Adds creamy richness — skip for a vegan version.

Smart Ingredient Swaps for Flexibility

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or need to adjust for dietary preferences, try these simple swaps:

• No Truffle Oil? Use a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil for savory richness.
• Vegan Alternative: Omit goat cheese or replace with a vegan feta.
• No Pea Shoots? Use baby spinach, arugula, or even finely chopped kale.
• Lacking Fresh Herbs? Dried mint or parsley can work in a pinch — use sparingly.
• Want More Protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
• No Shallots? Try red onion for a sharper bite.

How to Make Spring Pea Pasta Salad: Step-by-Step

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook pasta in generously salted boiling water according to package instructions.
2. Blanch the Peas: In the final minute of cooking, add fresh or frozen peas. Cook until bright green, then drain everything.
3. Prep the Flavor Base: While the pasta cooks, chop scallions, shallots, mint, parsley, and zest two lemons. Juice them to get about ¼ cup lemon juice.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add drained pasta and peas to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and white pepper.
5. Add the Greens and Herbs: Toss in the pea shoots (or other greens), scallions, shallots, fresh herbs, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly.
6. Adjust to Taste: Let sit for a few minutes, then taste and adjust lemon juice and salt as needed. Pasta absorbs flavor as it rests, so re-seasoning is key.
7. Finish and Serve: Drizzle with truffle oil just before serving. Add crumbled goat cheese if using. Serve warm or chill for later.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Spring Pea Pasta Salad

• Always Salt the Pasta Water: This is your first layer of flavor.
• Use Fresh or Frozen Peas Only: Canned peas lack texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Peas: Blanch just until bright green to keep their crisp texture.
• Cool for Salad Version: Rinse pasta and peas with very cold water to halt cooking if serving chilled.
• Add Cheese Last: If using goat cheese, stir it in right before serving to maintain its texture.
• Taste Before Serving: Lemon and salt flavors deepen over time — don’t skip this step.
• Upgrade with Nuts: Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds add crunch and richness.

Perfect Pairings and Delicious Variations

This Spring Pea Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with seasonal mains and makes a show-stopping addition to any table. Here’s how to mix it up:

• Serve Alongside: Grilled chicken, salmon, lamb, or veggie skewers
• Sandwich Pairing: Pairs well with herbed chicken sandwiches or cucumber dill wraps
• Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free pasta for an easy swap
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot honey
• Make-Ahead: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Garnish Ideas: Top with microgreens, lemon curls, or more fresh herbs

A Seasonal Star: Why Spring Peas Make This Dish Shine

Spring Peas aren’t just tasty — they’re packed with health benefits. Loaded with vitamin C, folate, and fiber, peas support immunity, digestion, and heart health. Their natural sweetness is elevated by bright lemon, fresh mint, and fragrant truffle oil, creating a pasta salad that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. This Spring Pea Pasta Salad is the perfect representation of everything spring should taste like: fresh, vibrant, and utterly satisfying.

Whether you’re serving it at a garden party, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it solo on a sunny day, this Spring Pea Pasta Salad brings lightness and joy to the plate.

Conclusion: Light, Bright, and Full of Spring Flavor

This Spring Pea Pasta Salad is a go-to recipe for anyone looking to embrace the freshness of spring with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s versatile, beautifully green, and packed with zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and tender peas — all brought together with silky olive oil and a touch of decadent truffle oil. Whether you’re preparing it for a spring brunch, packing it for a picnic, or serving it as a refreshing main dish, this recipe delivers seasonal charm in every forkful.

With its vibrant ingredients, quick preparation, and endless variations, this Spring Pea Pasta Salad is more than a dish — it’s a celebration of spring’s finest.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo: This rich and velvety pasta dish features a classic cream sauce that complements the fresh flavors of peas and herbs found in Spring Pea Pasta Salad. A great choice for fans of comforting, herbaceous pasta.
• Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta: For those who love a quick, flavorful pasta dish, this creamy garlic version brings bold, aromatic notes that pair beautifully with vegetables or herbs, making it an excellent flavor match to the Spring Pea Pasta Salad.
• Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette Dressing: A zesty dressing that uses lemon and garlic — two key flavors in Spring Pea Pasta Salad — perfect for drizzling over warm grains, pasta salads, or seasonal greens.

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