Pasta salad with peas is a light, refreshing, and flavorful side dish perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks. This easy-to-make salad combines the classic flavors of pasta, peas, and vegetables with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this pasta salad with peas recipe will guide you through every step of creating a delectable dish that will impress your family and friends.
The key to a great pasta salad with peas lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Start with a sturdy pasta such as penne or rotini, which will hold its shape well when tossed with the dressing. Freshly shelled peas add a vibrant sweetness, but frozen peas can be a convenient substitute. Crisp celery and red onion bring a crunchy texture and a touch of sharpness. And finally, grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor that balances out the acidity of the dressing.
To ensure a flavorful pasta salad with peas, it’s important to prepare the dressing correctly. A classic vinaigrette is made with a blend of olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. Whisk the dressing ingredients together until emulsified, then pour it over the cooked pasta and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.
Ingredients and Equipments
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Dressing:
Equipments:
How To Make Pasta Salad with Peas
Step 1: Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the vegetables. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Shell the peas if using fresh peas, or thaw frozen peas. Slice the celery and red onion thinly.
Step 3: Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is emulsified.
Step 4: Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, peas, celery, red onion, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss to coat.
Step 5: Marinate the pasta salad. Let the pasta salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing.
Step 6: Serve the pasta salad. Once the pasta salad is marinated, serve it chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.
Tips or Possible Variation
To add a pop of color and sweetness, add some halved cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers to the pasta salad.
For a creamier pasta salad, use a mayonnaise-based dressing instead of a vinaigrette. Combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste.
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can substitute it with another hard, salty cheese such as Asiago or Romano.
This pasta salad with peas is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Serve it as a side dish at your next barbecue or picnic, or pack it in a lunchbox for a refreshing and satisfying meal on the go. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this pasta salad with peas recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.