This week the lingering February snow melted and the birds have suddenly returned. I can hear them outside my kitchen window greeting the morning with new songs. When I look out in my garden I can see the tiny bright green tips of the snow drops popping up. Spring is coming and I can feel it. So I thought I would share a spring inspired lemon pesto pasta salad.
It’s the salad that I frequently make on busy nights because it comes together quickly and everyone in my house loves tortellini. I like to serve it with this seasoned salmon or a simple breaded chicken. I love the combination of the asparagus, lemon, Parmigiana Reggiano cheese and the basil pesto. Its bright flavors taste like spring.
Lemon Pesto Pasta Salad
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1 (10 oz) package of cheese tortellini, my favorite is Giovani Rana
- 1 shallot, sliced into thin half moon slices
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1/3 cup shaved Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Lemon Pesto Salad Dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil pesto, my favorites and Giovani Rana or Gotham Greens
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
First fill a medium sized pot half way with water and bring to a boil. Meanwhile cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces bite sized pieces. Once the water comes to a boil, add the asparagus and cook for about 2 minutes. It should be bright green and tender, but still slightly crisp. Remove from water with a slotted spoon and rinse with cold water to stop it from cooking further and set it aside.
Second, cook the fresh cheese tortellini according to the package directions. Meanwhile, slice the cherry tomatoes and shallots. Then using a vegetable peeler shave the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Next make the pesto salad dressing. In a small mixing bowl whisk together the pesto, lemon zest, juice and olive oil.
Now assemble the salad. In a large mixing bowl toss together the tortellini, asparagus, tomatoes, shallots and parmesan cheese. Add pesto dressing to taste. Serves 4.
Everyone needs a a good pasta salad recipe. This salad uses store bought pesto and cheese tortellini as its base so it’s a great weeknight recipe for days when you need something easy.
