AppetizersDinnerLunchRecipesSalads

LEMON ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD WITH CUCUMBER AND FETA

INGREDIENTS

  • 15-20 spears asparagus, trimmed
  • 5 mini cucumbers [around 2.5 cups chopped]
  • 1 cup pickled banana peppers [chopped or whole]
  • 2 cups dried ditalini pasta
  • 5 TBSP avocado oil or olive oil
  • ¼ cup champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • ¼ tsp salt plus extra to taste
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper plus extra to taste
  • 2 TBSP fresh lemon juice
  • lemon zest, to taste [I used half a lemon’s worth]
  • 1-2 TSBSP fresh parsley
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • optional: freshly grated parmesan for topping

 INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, approx. 9-10 minutes for al-dente.
  2. While the pasta boils, blanch or steam your asparagus until tender yet firm, then toss in ice water to halt the cooking process.
  3. Chop asparagus, cucumber, and banana peppers if desired and add to a large bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon zest and juice and set aside.
  5. Remove pasta from stove top, drain, rinse with cool water, and pour into your veggie bowl.
  6. Add dressing and top with crumbled feta a sprinkling of parmesan.
  7. You can even add a pinch of parsley and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling feisty!
  8. Enjoy at room temperature.