5 from 36 votes
Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad with Banana Peppers and Feta
This pasta salad combines al-dente ditalini pasta with crisp-tender asparagus, crunchy cucumber, tangy pickled banana peppers, and creamy feta cheese. A lemon-infused vinaigrette made with avocado oil, champagne vinegar, and fresh lemon juice ties the ingredients together. The salad offers a bright, refreshing flavor and a mix of textures, making it suitable for room temperature serving as a side or light meal.
Prep Time
9 mins
Cook Time
11 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
367 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 15-20 asparagus trimmed, spears
- 2.5 cups cucumber chopped
- 1 cup banana peppers chopped or sliced, pickled
- 2 cups ditalini pasta
- 5 TBSP avocado oil or favorite healthy oil
- ¼ cup champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper plus extra to taste
- 2 TBSP lemon juice fresh
- lemon to taste ( used half a lemon's worth, zest
- 1-2 TBSP parsley fresh
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, approx. 9-10 minutes for al-dente.
- While the pasta boils, blanch or steam your asparagus until tender yet firm, then toss in ice water to halt the cooking process.
- Chop asparagus, cucumber, and banana peppers if desired and add to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon zest and juice and set aside.
- Remove pasta from stove top, drain, rinse with cool water, and pour into your veggie bowl.
- Add dressing and top with crumbled feta a sprinkling of parmesan.
- You can even add a pinch of parsley and red pepper flakes if you're feeling feisty!
- Enjoy at room temperature.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Fresh parmigiano-reggiano grated right before serving enhances flavor if desired.
- Prepare extra dressing to refresh the salad before serving, especially if storing for later use.
- This salad holds well at room temperature, making it suitable for outdoor gatherings and potlucks.
Nutrition Information
Calories
367kcal
(18%)
Carbohydrates
46g
(15%)
Protein
10g
(20%)
Fat
15g
(23%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Cholesterol
11mg
(4%)
Sodium
245mg
(10%)
Potassium
330mg
(7%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
525IU
(11%)
Vitamin C
23.3mg
(26%)
Calcium
93mg
(9%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 367
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 367kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 245mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 330mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 525IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 23.3mg | 26% |
| Calcium | 93mg | 9% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.