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Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein

Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein for Vibrant Days

This Herby Spring Pasta Salad with Protein bursts with vibrant flavors and nutrients, making it a perfect meal prep option.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Substitute with avocado oil for different flavor.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Use garlic powder in a pinch.
  • 1/2 cup Pesto Can be store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 cup Chicken Bone Broth Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian option.
  • 1/4 cup Milk (Cashew or Regular) Any milk of preference can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons Ghee Substitute with olive oil or butter.
  • to taste Fresh Cracked Pepper & Sea Salt Adjust according to taste.
For the Salad Base
  • 8 ounces Pasta (Mafalda, Bow Tie, or Penne) Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option.
  • 1 pound Organic Pork or Chicken Sausage Substitute with ground turkey or omit for vegetarian version.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots can be used in place of onions.
  • 4 cups Fresh Spinach Can be substituted with kale or arugula.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Substitute with green beans or broccoli.
  • 1 juice Lemon (Juice and Zest) Replace with lime for a different citrus kick.
  • 1/4 cup Chives Green onions can serve as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill Substitute with tarragon if unavailable.
For the Finishing Touches
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Use nutritional yeast for dairy-free option.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pot for Boiling Pasta
  • Colander
  • Airtight container

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your choice of organic pork or chicken sausage, seasoning it with a pinch of sea salt and fresh cracked pepper. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through. Remove the protein from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the diced medium onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Once done, scoop the onions out and set them aside with the protein.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, roughly 8–10 minutes. Drain in a colander.
  4. Return the skillet to medium heat and add minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the pesto, chicken bone broth, cashew milk, and ghee, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Once the sauce is ready, lower the heat and stir in the browned protein, sautéed onions, and cooked pasta. Add in the fresh spinach, frozen peas, lemon zest and juice, grated Parmesan, chopped chives, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
  6. To finish your dish, sprinkle fresh dill and additional grated Parmesan over the top. Serve warm or let it cool to room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Chill the salad before serving to enhance the flavors. Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for best flavor. Avoid overcooking pasta to maintain perfect texture.

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