Asparagus-Fennel Pasta Salad

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Cook: 20 min.

Makes

14 servings

Updated: Sep. 22, 2022
Asparagus delivers delightful spring flavor in this hearty side salad. Served warm, it includes a wonderful mix of fresh-tasting ingredients. —Linda Lacek, Winter Park, Florida

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 2 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 small fennel bulb, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
  • 4 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • 12 pitted Greek olives, sliced
  • 1 cup minced fresh parsley
  • VINAIGRETTE:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Directions

  1. Place asparagus, onions and fennel in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Drizzle with oil; toss to coat. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
  2. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and place in a large serving bowl. Add the tomatoes, olives, parsley and roasted vegetables.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with feta cheese.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 167 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 278mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.