Fresh Citrus Pasta Salad
A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad featuring citrus notes, crisp Brussels sprouts, and tender spaghetti, ideal for a light lunch or summer gathering. The tangy citrus dressing pairs beautifully with the crunchy vegetables and pasta, making it a delightful dish for those seeking bright, flavorful, and healthy options.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. corn oil ⓘ
- 1/2 lemon, grated peel
- 1/2 lemon, juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon-style mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 2 oranges, peeled and cut in quarter-wheels ⓘ
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. spaghetti, cooked and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine corn oil, lemon peel, lemon juice, Dijon-style mustard, sugar, garlic salt, and tarragon in a large bowl.
- Add the cooked and drained spaghetti, Brussels sprouts, orange segments, and chopped green onion to the bowl.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients with the dressing.
- Refrigerate and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting olive oil for corn oil. If you can't find fresh tarragon, dried herbs will work in a pinch. You can also replace Brussels sprouts with blanched green beans for a different texture. Make sure to let the salad chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. This fresh citrus pasta salad pairs beautifully with Pork Tenderloin Marinade.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant pasta salad as a light lunch or as a side dish at your next barbecue. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, and a glass of Red Christmas Punch can complement the citrus flavors perfectly. For a vegan twist, consider using vegan pasta and omitting the Dijon mustard for a lighter dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become a bit soggy after a day due to the dressing, so it's best consumed fresh. If you want to serve it warm, quickly toss it in a pan over low heat for a few minutes before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Citrus Pasta Salad contains roughly 130 calories, with 6g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (72% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to add the oranges right before serving to maintain their freshness.
What can I substitute for Brussels sprouts?
If you prefer a different vegetable, you can substitute Brussels sprouts with blanched asparagus or zucchini. Both options will add a nice crunch and complement the citrus dressing well.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, you can easily make this pasta salad vegan by using a vegan-friendly mustard and ensuring your spaghetti is made without egg. This salad is refreshing and fits well within vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).