Creamy Pea Pasta Salad
**Introduction**
Imagine a pasta salad that captures the essence of a bright spring day in a bowl. This Creamy Pea Pasta Salad is exactly that: a harmonious blend of tender pasta, sweet pops of pea, and a luxuriously smooth, herb-flecked dressing that is both light and indulgent. Far from the heavy, mayonnaise-laden versions, this salad features a vibrant, creamy dressing that clings perfectly to every corkscrew of fusilli, offering a delightful contrast of textures and a beautifully fresh flavor profile. It is incredibly versatile, effortlessly elegant, and comes together in the time it takes to boil pasta. Whether you need a standout side dish for a barbecue, a satisfying make-ahead lunch, or a simple yet impressive potluck contribution, this recipe delivers a taste of seasonal freshness with every forkful.
**Perfect for:**
* Potlucks, Picnics, and BBQs
* Weekly Meal Prep
* Light Vegetarian Lunches
* Elegant Side Dishes for Dinner Parties
* Quick Weeknight Dinners
**Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pea Pasta Salad Recipe**
**Fresh & Flavorful Balance:** The natural sweetness of the peas plays perfectly against the bright acidity of lemon and the savory depth of Parmesan and herbs, creating a complex flavor that is anything but bland.
**Surprisingly Light Creaminess:** The dressing achieves its rich, coating texture from Greek yogurt and a touch of mayonnaise, offering a protein boost and a tangy lightness that won’t weigh you down like traditional recipes.
**Minimal Effort, Maximum Impact:** With no roasting or intricate chopping required, this is a truly simple dish. The majority of the work is passive while the pasta cooks, making it an accessible recipe for any skill level.
**Excellent Make-Ahead Qualities:** This salad actually benefits from time in the fridge, allowing the flavors to marry and develop. It’s the ultimate prepare-ahead dish for stress-free entertaining.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
* **Total Time:** 25 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
* **Preparation Time:** 15 minutes
* **Cooking Time:** 10 minutes (for pasta)
* **Servings:** 6 as a side dish
* **Calories per serving:** Approximately 320-380 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
* **Calories:** 320-380 kcal
* **Protein:** 13g
* **Carbohydrates:** 45g
* **Fat:** 10g
* **Fiber:** 4g
* **Sugar:** 5g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileenrecipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* For the Salad:
* 12 oz (340g) short pasta, such as fusilli, farfalle, or shells
* 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen peas (no need to thaw if frozen)
* ¾ cup finely diced red onion
* ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
* ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
* Zest of 1 lemon
* For the Creamy Lemon-Herb Dressing:
* ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
* ¼ cup mayonnaise
* 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
* 1 small garlic clove, minced or grated
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* ½ teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the peas to the boiling water. Drain the pasta and peas together in a colander and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking. Allow to drain well.
2. **Prepare the Dressing:** While the pasta cooks, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients: Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and dried dill. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. **Combine:** To the bowl with the dressing, add the well-drained pasta and peas, diced red onion, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, and lemon zest.
4. **Toss & Chill:** Gently toss everything together until the pasta and peas are evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
5. **Rest:** For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the pasta to absorb the dressing and the flavors to meld.
**How to Serve Creamy Pea Pasta Salad**
* **As a Standout Side:** Serve chilled alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or burgers for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **A Main Course Lunch:** Portion into containers for a ready-to-go, protein-packed vegetarian lunch throughout the week.
* **For Elegant Entertaining:** Present in a large, beautiful bowl, garnished with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and edible flowers for a touch of sophistication.
* **Picnic-Perfect:** Pack it in a sealed container for your next outdoor adventure—it travels beautifully and tastes great cold.
**Additional Tips for Creamy Pea Pasta Salad**
* Salt your pasta water generously; it’s your primary chance to season the pasta itself.
* Do not overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture much better once dressed and chilled.
* Rinsing the pasta after draining cools it quickly and removes excess starch, preventing a gummy salad.
* For the freshest flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block, not the pre-shredded kind which contains anti-caking agents.
**Recipe Variations of Creamy Pea Pasta Salad**
* **Protein-Packed Version:** Add 1 ½ cups of diced cooked ham, crispy bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or 1 can of drained and rinsed chickpeas.
* **”Primavera” Version:** Add 1 cup of additional quick-cooking vegetables like blanched asparagus pieces, thinly sliced radishes, or diced cucumber.
* **Herb Lover’s Version:** Incorporate other soft herbs like fresh chopped dill, chives, or mint along with the parsley for an even more aromatic salad.
* **Lemony Feta Version:** Substitute the Parmesan with ⅔ cup of crumbled feta cheese for a tangier, saltier profile.
**Freezing and Storage for Creamy Pea Pasta Salad**
* **Storage:** Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the dressing, so you may wish to refresh it with a small squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving leftovers.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the creamy dressing and the pasta will separate and become grainy and mushy upon thawing.
**FAQ Section about Creamy Pea Pasta Salad**
**Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?**
Greek yogurt is recommended for its thick texture and high protein content. Regular yogurt is too thin and will make the dressing runny. If you must substitute, strain regular yogurt through cheesecloth for 30 minutes first.
**My salad seems dry after chilling. What happened?**
The pasta absorbs the dressing. Simply stir in a tablespoon or two of milk, water, or extra lemon juice to loosen it back to your desired consistency before serving.
**Can I make this vegan?**
Yes. Use a vegan pasta, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt (choose a thick, unsweetened variety), use vegan mayonnaise, and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan hard cheese alternative.
**Is it better to use fresh or frozen peas?**
Frozen peas are often used because they are flash-frozen at peak freshness, consistently sweet, and incredibly convenient. Fresh peas are wonderful when in season but require shelling. Avoid canned peas, as they are too soft and mushy.
**Conclusion of Creamy Pea Pasta Salad Recipe**
Creamy Pea Pasta Salad is a testament to the magic of simple, quality ingredients combined with a thoughtful, lightened-up dressing. It successfully bridges the gap between everyday ease and special occasion appeal, proving that a pasta salad can be both refreshing and deeply satisfying. This recipe is a reliable addition to your culinary repertoire, ready to elevate a simple weeknight dinner, become the star of your picnic basket, or effortlessly feed a hungry crowd. With its bright flavors, creamy texture, and undeniable versatility, it’s a dish you’ll return to season after season. So, boil the pasta, whisk the dressing, and get ready to enjoy a perfect bite of creamy, peasy perfection.