Orange Pasta Asparagus Salad

Pasta Salad with Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette

Looking for a good healthy recipe to take to the potluck or family picnic? This is a delicious, easy and impressive salad, sure to get them all asking for the recipe. When I can't find my husband at the party, I can usually find him surrounded by women asking for the recipe.....relax ladies..... it's right here!

You could add or substitute a variety of other ingredients (think broccoli, nuts, artichoke hearts, etc.) but what really makes the dish special is this Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette. It is simple and light, a little bit sweet, and totally delicious!

Salad Ingredients:
1 cup pasta (Mark likes mini rotelle wheels)
1 cup asparagus spears, cut
1 cup bell pepper, chopped (red, yellow, orange)
¼ cup red onion, chopped
1 8 oz can garbanzo beans
1 8 oz can kidney beans
Parsley for garnish

Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette
½ cup olive oil
1 orange (the sweetest you can find)
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp orange zest
Parsley finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

A very simple salad to put together. Prepare the dressing first, Mark suggests making at least an hour or more before you want to eat. Add all the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well. If you want it a little sweeter, add more orange juice.  

Cook the pasta per package directions, drain and set aside to cool. Blanch your chopped asparagus for just a few minutes and set aside to cool. Chop your onions and bell peppers into bite sized pieces.

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, and gently mix. Add the Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette and combine well. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Enjoy!


I love all these colors!


8 comments:

  1. That looks really yummy! So many great colors

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  2. Looks wonderful! I love all the colors too :)

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  3. The colors are wonderful! I like that women crowd your husband asking for the recipe to the foods you bring to events, too funny!

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  4. Love the colours, too. Great textures and can imagine orange and asparagus are just made for each other!

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  5. super light and refreshing - love asparagus. thanks for sharing a new way to use them!

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  6. Mmmm this sounds like a delicious and refreshing salad! That vinaigrette sounds amazing!!!

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  7. Tiff- This looks deeelicious. I've been trying to eat a bit healthier lately and this is gonna help. Hope all is well your way. We need to meet up with year fo sure!!

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  8. I LOVE how colorful this pasta is!!! I imagine it is a crowd-pleaser at events not only because it is beautiful but also because it tastes amazing, orange viniagrette is delish. :)

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Thank you for your comments!