ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD WITH ITALIAN DRESSING RECIPE - (4.5/5)

Asparagus Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by Late2Serenity

Number Of Ingredients 14

For the dressing:
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste (optional)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the salad:
1 pound asparagus
2 1/2 cups uncooked pasta, such as penne or rotini
2/3 cup sliced red onions
1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, for serving

Steps:

Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until combined. Set the dressing aside. Make the pasta salad: Remove the tough stems of the asparagus then cut each spear into 1-inch pieces. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, 10 to 11 minutes, then add the asparagus to the pot and cook it with pasta for 1 more minute. Drain the pasta and asparagus then rinse it with cold water. Transfer the pasta and asparagus to a large bowl. Stir in the onions and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the pasta, tossing to combine, then cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours and up to overnight. When ready to serve, stir in the Parmesan cheese and enjoy cold or at room temperature.