Description
This Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein is fresh, flavorful, and packed with nourishing ingredients like sausage, greens, herbs, and a bright lemony finish. Perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or entertaining, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that can be served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound organic pork or chicken sausage, or ground chicken/turkey
- 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 box pasta (gluten-free Mafalda, bow tie, or penne)
- 2 cups spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 heaping tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons pesto
- 3/4 cup chicken bone broth or broth of choice
- 3 tablespoons milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1 1/4 cup frozen peas
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill, roughly chopped (for topping)
Instructions
1. In a medium to large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage or ground meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet and cook the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Transfer to the plate with the cooked protein.
3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute. Stir in the pesto and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
5. Pour in the broth, milk, and ghee. Bring to a gentle simmer for several minutes, then return the cooked protein and onions to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Add the drained pasta back into the empty pasta pot. Pour the skillet mixture over the pasta, then add frozen peas, lemon zest, lemon juice, spinach, grated Parmesan, chives, cracked pepper, sea salt, and an additional 2–3 tablespoons olive oil. Stir well to combine.
7. Fold in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Transfer to a serving dish and top with fresh dill and extra grated Parmesan. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta if needed to keep this dish gluten-free.
Feel free to swap the sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
If making ahead, reserve some extra olive oil and a squeeze of lemon to refresh the pasta before serving.
This pasta salad tastes great both warm and at room temperature, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg