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Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein

Bright and Zesty Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein

Enjoy a vibrant Herby Spring Pasta Salad with Protein featuring zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and your choice of protein for a delightful meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil can substitute with avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 1 whole lemon squeezed & zest
Pasta
  • 8 ounces pasta Mafalda or gluten-free alternative
Protein
  • 8 ounces organic pork or chicken sausage swap for ground turkey or chickpeas
Vegetables
  • 2 cups spinach finely chopped
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves minced garlic fresh is ideal
  • 1 cup frozen peas
Creaminess
  • 1/4 cup milk cashew or regular
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
Seasoning
  • to taste fresh cracked pepper
  • to taste sea salt
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chives

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • large pot
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the organic pork or chicken sausage and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned.
  2. In the same skillet, add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add to the bowl with the sausage.
  3. Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil, and add a pinch of salt. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Return the skillet to medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in pesto, broth, milk, and ghee, allowing to simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage, onions, sauce, frozen peas, lemon zest and juice, spinach, Parmesan, chives, and seasonings. Stir gently.
  6. Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Add dill and extra Parmesan just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 24gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This Herby Spring Pasta Salad with Protein can be served warm or at room temperature. Perfect for meal prep and gatherings!

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