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lemon dijon asparagus and pea macaroni salad for s 2026 04 27 185735 683x1024 1

Lemon-Dijon Asparagus and Pea Macaroni Salad

A fresh and vibrant macaroni salad that combines the bright taste of lemon with tangy Dijon mustard, perfect for spring picnics or casual lunches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni Pasta Gluten-free varieties for dietary needs.
  • 1 cup Fresh Asparagus Remove tough ends and slice into bite-sized pieces.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas No need to thaw before adding.
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Marinated, drained, and roughly chopped.
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Vegenaise is a great vegan substitute.
  • 2 pcs Lemons Juice and zest for maximum brightness.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard A little goes a long way.
  • 1 clove Garlic Minced or grated.
  • 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 tsp Fresh Ground Pepper Sprinkle in to meet your spice preference.
Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Curly Parsley Finely chopped.
  • 2 tbsp Chives Chive flowers can be used for garnish.

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Cooking Asparagus
  1. In a large pot of boiling water, add the fresh asparagus and cook for about 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Mixing Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, asparagus, frozen peas, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Preparing Dressing
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, and ground pepper until smooth.
Combining Salad
  1. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to combine.
  2. Fold in the chopped parsley and chives.
Final Adjustments
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper as desired.

Notes

Serve this macaroni salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be garnished with additional chives or parsley. Pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Add more mayonnaise or lemon juice if the salad seems dry.