Description
A vibrant pasta salad featuring creamy tahini dressing and a mix of fresh greens, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces short-to-medium pasta (like orecchiette, fusilli, or penne)
- 4 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 1 small lemon, zested
- 2 1/2 – 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup soft tender herbs (parsley, dill, and basil), chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, adding one extra minute.
- Add the Greens: When there are five minutes left, add the green beans. After two minutes, add the asparagus and cook for the remaining three minutes.
- Prepare the Ice Bath: While cooking, fill a large bowl with ice and cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain and Chill: Drain the pasta and veggies, transfer to the ice bath, and let cool before seasoning with kosher salt.
- Make the Tahini Dressing: Whisk together tahini, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Adjust the Consistency: Gradually add water to the tahini mixture until pourable but thick.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooled pasta and veggies to the dressing, tossing gently.
- Finish with Chickpeas and Herbs: Fold in chickpeas, toasted pine nuts, and chopped herbs. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Drizzle the dressing before serving for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pasta salad, tahini, vegetarian salad, Mediterranean recipe, healthy salad
