Asparagus Pasta Salad With a Creamy Lemon Dressing

SarasotaCook's Note:

A nice twist on asparagus and pasta salad. A quick easy dish with a light lemony, tangy sauce, but very fast. Pair this along a grilled piece of fish or chicken breast and this makes this a very nice easy dinner.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6-8

Yield: 6.0

• 10 ounces penne pasta
• 2 lbs asparagus (ends removed and cut in 2-inch pieces on a angle)
• 1/2 cup scallion, cut on a angle in 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated (I like sharp cheddar)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (to cook the pasta in)
• 1/2 lemon, thin sliced

Dressing

• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 4 tablespoons chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, the dish (to season)

Directions:

1. Dressing -- mix all the ingredients and set to the side until the pasta and asparagus are cooked.
2. Salad -- In a large pot of salted water, boil the pasta according to directions. Approximately 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the asparagus until is comes out al dente. Now drain the pasta and asparagus. Rinse under cold water for just a few seconds to stop the cooking process and cool slightly.
3. Combine -- Now toss the still slightly warm pasta with the dressing. Add in the scallions, extra salt and pepper and serve garnished with the cheese fresh lemon slices. A nice simple salad!
4. Now this is a very light tasting salad with a very simple dressing. It doesn't have bold flavors, but subtle flavors which is a nice compliment to a fresh herb roasted chicken breast or piece of fish. This is all about fresh subtle flavors.

Reviews

[CIndytc]

very good side salad for fish. Used fresh asparagus from the farmers market.

[**Pebbles**]

Loved it! And what made it even more special was that the Chef who created this dish made it for me herself. I didn't have to prepare it. How special is that? She made a ton of it for me and on day 2 I have added some white albacore canned tuna. Complete meal. Thank you SC!

[Candy C]

This was a wonderful addition to my grilled salmon dinner. I prepared the pasta and asparagus early in the day, chilled, then tossed at serving time. Wonderful way to keep the kitchen cool on a 113° day! Just had to add grilled French bread for a perfect light summer meal. Dinner guests immediately wanted your recipe - one of whom is a cookbook author! I tossed in some ham for lunch the next day; would be good with chicken, too. Thank you for a dish I will enjoy often!