The weather is finally warming up and I am super excited for outdoor entertaining! This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Asparagus & Tomato is bursting with flavor and the perfect addition to any summer get together!
I don’t know how things have been where you live but can I tell you, here in NJ the winter felt like it was never going to end! I am beyond thrilled that the warmer temps and the sun has finally begun to show up. With all that I am itching to get outside, grill, enjoy having friends and family hanging in the yard and delicious warm weather eats! I made this Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Asparagus & Tomato for a little BBQ we are having tomorrow with friends from the boys ice hockey. It is bright, refreshing and easy to make!
This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Asparagus & Tomato doesn’t have anything complicated going on, just really great fresh ingredients. Springtime = asparagus season so I try to make use of it more so this time of year. And as you can see- if its true you eat with your eyes first- that this is one colorful dish as well! The asparagus, tomatoes and bright lemon are a truly incredible combination of color and flavor.
The simple lemon vinaigrette I use here is really a staple around here for pasta salad, a mixed green salad or on grilled chicken or shrimp. I sort of have an obsession with lemon. It adds such incredible bright flavor to anything and is just so simple to throw together quickly right in a little jar. I dice up shallot and garlic very finely and mix that with olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, salt and pepper.
I like to make this pasta salad the day before I’m serving it to allow the flavors to really absorb into the pasta. I will mention asparagus is one of those things that really needs to be cooked properly. If you overcook asparagus it becomes very stringy. You want to just give it a quick blanch- into boiling water for just 2 minutes then straight into ice water to stop it from cooking. You end up with perfectly crisp pieces of asparagus.
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta or other small shape
- 1 bunch asparagus, remove ~ 1 inch off thick ends and discard
- a couple handfuls of cherry tomatoes, halved
- a big handful of fresh chopped basil
- 1 shallot, fine chop
- 1 garlic clove, fine chop
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4- 1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
- Cut the asparagus into 1 inch pieces. Bring a bit pot of water to a boil {you will use this for the pasta too}. Cook the asparagus for just 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place into a bowl of ice water. Once cooled, remove and place asparagus onto a paper towel.
- Cook the pasta in the same water just to al dente. Drain and cool immediately. Set aside.
- In a large bowl mix together the pasta, asparagus, tomatoes and basil.
- In a small jar mix together the lemon, olive oil, shallot and garlic.
- Toss the vinaigrette in and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Dan from Platter Talk
We will be making this for our Memorial Day picnic! I love the fresh spring theme and also appreciate the hint of making this a day ahead of time; can’t wait to try!
Kimberly
My family absolutely loved this pasta salad recipe. It’s definitely a keeper! Pinned.
Angela LeMoine
Oh that makes me so happy to hear!!! I’m glad you all enjoyed it!
Michaela Kenkel
this recipe is a keeper for sure!! We loved it!
Angela LeMoine
Thank you!! Its really so perfect for summer.
Ashlyn
This is so easy to put together and goes with so many meals! Will definitely be a favorite in our house!
Angela LeMoine
Yes!! Easy and delicious- whats not to love right?!
Lisa@Lisa's Dinnertime Dish
This salad is gorgeous! It would be a perfect side at a barbecue or a delicious light main dish!
Angela LeMoine
Thank you so much!!! We just love the bright flavors.
Jennifer Stewart
I can’t get over how fun that pasta shape is!! A light pasta dish with lemon and asparagus is perfect for Spring and all summer long!!
Deanna
This salad has my two favorite things lemon and basil!! This LEMON BASIL PASTA SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS & TOMATO sounds so yummy!