Penne Salad With Spring Peas
A vibrant, protein-packed pasta salad featuring fresh peas, colorful peppers, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. penne or medium pasta shells ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen thawed peas ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions and tops ⓘ
- 1 large yellow or red pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup skim milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fat-free mayo or salad dressing ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced parsley
- 1/4 cup NutraSweet spoonful ⓘ
- 2 tsp. drained green peppercorns (optional) ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cooked and cooled pasta with peas, sliced green onions, and sliced peppers in a salad bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix red wine vinegar, fat-free mayo, minced parsley, NutraSweet, and drained green peppercorns if using.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt to the dressing. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought dressing instead of making your own. Fresh peas are preferred, but frozen peas work just as well; just ensure they're thawed before adding. For a hint of sweetness, you can also add diced tomatoes or cucumbers.
Serving Suggestions
This Penne Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It's also an excellent side dish for picnics and barbecues. Consider serving it alongside American recipes like Easy Stuffing For Poultry Or Any Side Dish for a delightful spread. Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. If you prefer to serve it warm, you can reheat it gently in the microwave, but be cautious to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne Salad With Spring Peas contains roughly 193 calories, with 7g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g 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 salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good toss before serving. Be sure to leave out the salt until you're ready to serve to prevent the pasta from getting soggy.
What can I substitute for the fat-free mayo?
If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute the fat-free mayo with plain Greek yogurt or avocado for a creamy texture. This will add a unique flavor and extra nutrition to the salad. Alternatively, a light vinaigrette could work if you prefer a tangier taste.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Penne Salad is entirely vegetarian, making it a great option for those following vegetarian recipes. Just ensure that the ingredients like mayonnaise or dressing you use are also vegetarian-friendly. It's a colorful and nutritious dish that everyone can enjoy!
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).