Asparagus Pasta Salad With a Creamy Lemon Dressing

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.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6-8
• Yields: 6

Ingredients

• 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.