Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous amount of salt. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. In the last 4 minutes of cooking, add 1 cup of chopped fresh asparagus, and in the final minute, toss in 1 cup of frozen peas to ensure vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Carefully drain the pasta and vegetable mixture in a colander, allowing excess water to escape. Immediately rinse under cool running water to halt the cooking process and prevent mushiness. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, spreading it out to cool completely while you prepare the dressing.
- Once the pasta mixture is cooled, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, the juice and zest of 2 lemons, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper until smooth.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the chilled pasta and vegetable mixture. Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped curly parsley and 2 tablespoons of chives. Gently toss to coat all ingredients well.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days.
Nutrition
Notes
Chilling the salad for 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Store leftovers with the dressing separate to maintain texture and flavor.
