Asparagus Pasta Salad Vegetarian Recipes

ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Heat shallot and oil in microwave safe covered dish for 30 seconds or in a small pan on the stovetop over medium low heat for 5 minutes. Allow oil to cool back to room temperature.
• Hold a spear of asparagus at each end and snap it. The spear breaks where the tender tops meet the tough bottoms. Line the broken spear up with the bundle of cleaned asparagus. Cut the spears using the guideline of the snapped spear. Par boil the asparagus tops in 1 inch simmering water covered for 3 to 5 minutes. Cool under cold running water and drain. Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces on an angle and add to a bowl. Combine chopped, cooked asparagus with shredded endive, red bell pepper, cooked pasta, green peas and chopped parsley. The peas will defrost as you toss salad. Pour vinegar into a small bowl and whisk in cooled shallot oil. Pour dressing over salad and toss. Season salad with salt and pepper, to your taste and toss again.

ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Place asparagus in a large saucepan with enough water to cover; cook until crisp-tender. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine asparagus with the remaining ingredients; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight.

ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD WITH ITALIAN DRESSING

Steps:

• For the dressing: Whisk together all of the ingredients in a medium bowl until combined. Set aside.
• For the pasta salad: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, just until al dente. Add the asparagus and cook it with the pasta for 1 more minute. Drain the pasta and asparagus then rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly.
• Transfer the pasta and asparagus to a large bowl. Stir in the onions and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the pasta, toss to combine, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to overnight. When ready to serve, stir in the Parmesan and enjoy cold or at room temperature.

ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD -- VEGETARIAN

Steps:

• Put the pieces of asparagus stem in a steamer basket & steam for 8 to 10 minutes before adding the top pieces, then steam another 5 to 7 minutes or until all is crisp-tender. Drain & cool.
• In a large bowl, combine asparagus & the remaining ingredients, tossing to coat.
• Cover & refrigerate 3 to 4 hours or overnight.

ASPARAGUS PESTO PASTA SALAD (VEGAN)

Steps:

• Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add the asparagus spears.
• Cook until just tender, about 4 minutes.
• Without emptying the water from the pot, lift out the asparagus spears and set aside to cool slightly.
• Bring the water back to a boil.
• Add salt, if needed, and add pasta.
• Cook until the pasta is al dente.
• Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, and drain and rinse the pasta with cool water.
• Put into a serving bowl.
• Trim off the top 3 or 4 inches of the asparagus spears, and put the tips into the bowl with the pasta.
• Cut the bottoms into several pieces, and set aside to use in the pesto sauce.
• Use a food processor to make the pesto: With the processor running, drop in the garlic cloves and allow them to chop. Add 2 tablespoons of the pine nuts, and pulse to chop. Add the lemon juice, basil, salt, and the asparagus pieces (not the tips!) along with 4-6 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. (Start with 4 tablespoons water and add more as needed.) Puree until smooth.
• Toss the pasta and asparagus tips with the pesto, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Sprinkle with the remaining pine nuts or nutritional yeast, and serve warm or refrigerate until ready to serve.