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Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein

Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein: A Fresh, Flavorful Boost

Enjoy this Herby Spring Pasta Salad with Protein, a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil.
  • 8 ounces Organic Pork or Chicken Sausage Ground turkey can be an alternative or omitted.
  • 1 medium Onion (finely diced) Use yellow or red onions based on preference.
  • 8 ounces Pasta (Mafalda or alternative) Penne or bow tie are suitable substitutes.
  • 1 cup Spinach (finely chopped) Kale or Swiss chard can be alternatives.
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil (chopped) Substitute with other fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Garlic powder can be used if needed.
  • 1/2 cup Pesto Avoid store-bought with unnecessary fillers.
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Bone Broth (or any broth) Vegetable broth is great for vegetarian versions.
  • 1/4 cup Milk Cashew or regular milk; coconut milk works for dairy-free.
  • 2 tablespoons Ghee Butter or olive oil can substitute.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Cooked green beans or edamame can replace.
  • 1 whole Lemon (squeezed and zest) Lime provides a nice citrus twist.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Nutritional yeast can substitute for dairy-free.
  • 1/4 cup Chives Green onions can work well instead.
  • Fresh Cracked Pepper & Sea Salt Use preferred salt type.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • pot
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add organic pork or chicken sausage, cooking for about 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer protein to a plate and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add finely diced medium onion and sauté over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add sautéed onions to the plate with the protein.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 8 ounces of pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute. Then, mix in ½ cup of pesto, ½ cup of chicken bone broth, ¼ cup of milk, and 2 tablespoons of ghee. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked protein and sautéed onions back into the skillet along with drained pasta. Fold in 1 cup of frozen peas, zest and juice of one lemon, 1 cup of finely chopped spinach, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, and chopped chives. Toss well.
  6. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter, garnish with fresh dill and additional Parmesan if desired, and serve warm or chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best flavor, let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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