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Herby Spring Pasta Salad

Herby Spring Pasta Salad That's a Feast for the Senses

This Herby Spring Pasta Salad is a vibrant mix of fresh flavors and protein, making it a perfect meal prep dish for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Can substitute with avocado oil
  • 1 pound organic pork or chicken sausage Ground chicken/turkey is an excellent alternative
  • 1 medium onion Use shallots for a milder taste
  • 8 ounces pasta (Mafalda) Bow tie or penne work well too
For the Freshness
  • 2 cups fresh spinach Swaps with kale or arugula are possible
  • 1 cup fresh basil Cilantro or parsley can be substituted
  • 3 cloves minced garlic Adjust to taste or use garlic powder as an alternative
For the Creaminess
  • ½ cup pesto Store-bought or homemade options work well
  • ½ cup chicken bone broth Any broth can be used as a substitute
  • ¼ cup milk Cashew milk or regular works
  • 2 tablespoons ghee Can be replaced with unsalted butter or olive oil
For Color and Crunch
  • 1 cup frozen peas Swap with steamed broccoli or green beans
  • 1 large lemon Lime can be used as an alternative
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest Can be omitted if not available
For Seasoning
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan Nutritional yeast can substitute for a dairy-free version
  • ¼ cup chives Green onions are a viable alternative
  • to taste fresh cracked pepper & sea salt Adjust to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh dill Can be omitted or substituted with tarragon

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Pot
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your choice of organic pork or chicken sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  2. In the same skillet, add a diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and aromatic. Combine the cooked protein back into the skillet with the onions and stir to blend for an additional minute.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of Mafalda pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in ½ cup of pesto, ½ cup of chicken bone broth, ¼ cup of milk, and 2 tablespoons of ghee. Simmer for approximately 3-5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken.
  5. Add the protein and onion mixture back to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta and 1 cup of frozen peas. Stir in the zest and juice of one lemon, 2 cups of fresh spinach, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, and chopped chives. Mix until well coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and fold in a handful of fresh dill. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm or cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For maximum flavor, allow the Herby Spring Pasta Salad to chill for a few hours before serving. Use fresh herbs for the best taste and customize the protein as desired.

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