Pasta With Spring Peas
A light, refreshing pasta salad featuring sweet peas, colorful peppers, and a tangy vinaigrette with fresh herbs, perfect for spring or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cooked pasta, peas, sliced green onions, and sliced pepper in a salad bowl.
- Mix together the skim milk, red wine vinegar, fat-free mayonnaise, minced parsley, and NutraSweet in a separate bowl to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding garlic or fresh herbs like basil or mint to the dressing. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute the fat-free mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Frozen peas work well in this recipe, but if using fresh, make sure to blanch them briefly for optimal texture. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of NutraSweet to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with spring peas as a light main dish or side salad at your next gathering. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or seafood for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, consider serving alongside a hearty vegetable dish or a refreshing Diabetic Pink Salad. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can elevate the dish even further.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the pasta appears dry. This dish can be enjoyed cold as a refreshing salad too.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Spring Peas contains roughly 116 calories, with 2g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 670mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta dish can be made ahead of time. Prepare the salad and dressing separately, then combine them just before serving to maintain the pasta's texture. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while preventing the pasta from becoming soggy.
What can I use instead of NutraSweet?
If you prefer not to use NutraSweet, you can substitute it with honey, agave syrup, or even a sugar alternative like Stevia. Adjust the sweetness to your taste, keeping in mind that different sweeteners have varying levels of sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. It's a great option for those following vegetarian recipes, providing a satisfying meal full of fresh vegetables. To enhance its nutritional profile, consider adding more veggies or a protein source like chickpeas.
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).