Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein – Easy, Fresh, and Filling

Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein is the kind of dish that feels like a breath of fresh air—straight from your kitchen to your patio table. This hearty-yet-light meal is what happens when fresh herbs, juicy lemon, and cozy pasta all decide to have a spring fling—with protein tagging along to keep things grounded. The real beauty of this recipe lies in how flexible and forgiving it is. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or trying to impress your in-laws without looking like you tried too hard, this dish has your back.

You get the satisfying bite of pasta, the vibrant flavors of pesto and dill, and the sneakily nourishing bonus of spinach and peas—all tossed with the rich umami of sautéed sausage or lean ground turkey. And with minimal cleanup (just one pot and one skillet), it keeps your kitchen from looking like a food tornado hit. Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein might just be your new go-to when you need something simple, satisfying, and oh-so-springy.

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What is Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein?

Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein is exactly what it sounds like—a delicious, feel-good mashup of all the best things about spring produce, paired with a solid boost of protein to keep you full and happy. It’s kind of like if a cozy pasta dish and a crisp salad had a baby, and then dressed it up in herbs and lemon zest for a backyard party. Think: tender pasta mixed with vibrant green peas, spinach, fresh basil, and chives.

Add a lemony-garlicky broth-based sauce, a dollop of creamy pesto, and juicy sausage or your choice of lean meat, and you’ve got a dish that checks every box. It’s not just a salad; it’s a warm-weather meal prep dream, an easy lunchbox win, and a “what should I bring to the BBQ?” solution, all rolled into one. Whether you eat it warm, cold, or room temp, the flavors stay bold and bright. Plus, the dish works beautifully with gluten-free pasta like Mafalda (as used here) or anything from bow ties to penne.

Reasons to Try Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein

Let’s be real—salads sometimes get a bad rap. They’re often either too bland or too high-maintenance. But Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein flips that script entirely. First off, it’s ridiculously flavorful. With layers of lemon, garlic, pesto, and fresh herbs, it hits all the right notes—zesty, savory, and comforting with every bite. Second, it’s weeknight-friendly. Even if you’ve got soccer practice, laundry piles, and a Zoom meeting all colliding at 6 PM, this salad comes together in about 40 minutes and doesn’t leave your sink stacked with dishes.

Third, it’s flexible. Swap in chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage. Use regular, gluten-free, or high-protein pasta. You do you. Fourth, it holds up like a champ in the fridge, making it perfect for leftovers or packed lunches. And finally, it’s a hit with all ages—even the picky eaters tend to nibble at the peas when they’re coated in cheesy-pesto goodness. If you’re looking for something delicious, easy, and just a little bit fancy without being fussy, this one’s for you. Bonus: it’s naturally nutrient-packed and feels like spring in a bowl.

Ingredients Needed to Make Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound organic pork or chicken sausage (or substitute with ground chicken or turkey)
• 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 box pasta (gluten-free Mafalda, bow tie, or penne work great)
• 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 any broth of your choice)
• 3 tablespoons milk (cashew or regular)
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 1/4 cup frozen peas
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup chopped chives
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
  Topping:
• 3 tablespoons fresh dill, roughly chopped
• Additional grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions to Make Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein – Step by Step

Step 1: Brown the Protein

Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a medium to large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your choice of protein—pork sausage, chicken sausage, or even lean ground turkey or chicken work beautifully here. Season it with a generous pinch of salt and fresh cracked pepper. As it cooks, break it up with a spatula, letting it brown and develop those golden caramelized bits for 5–7 minutes. When it’s fully cooked and slightly crispy on the edges, remove it from the skillet and transfer to a plate. Set it aside while you build your flavor base.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Add another tablespoon of oil to the same skillet and toss in the finely diced onion. Let it sizzle for about 3–4 minutes until softened and just turning translucent. You’re not looking to brown them deeply here—just to mellow out the sharpness and bring out that sweet flavor. Once they’re ready, scoop them onto the same plate with your browned protein and keep that party waiting off to the side.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until al dente. If you’re using something like Jovial gluten-free Mafalda, keep an eye on it—it can go from perfect to mushy fast. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it. You want that bit of starch to help the sauce cling to every twist and turn of the noodles. Set the drained pasta aside in the now-empty pot.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Back in your skillet, add one more tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for just about a minute—don’t walk away or check Instagram, because garlic can burn in the blink of an eye. Stir in the pesto and let it cook for another minute or so, stirring constantly. This wakes up the herbs and oils in the pesto and infuses the pan with serious aroma. Then, pour in your chicken bone broth, milk (cashew or regular), and ghee. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for a couple of minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Combine the Sauce with Protein and Pasta

Now, add the cooked protein and onions back into the skillet and stir to coat them in the flavorful sauce. Then, pour this entire skillet mixture into the pot with your drained pasta. This is where the magic happens. Add in the frozen peas (no need to thaw—they’ll cook in the residual heat), lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, chopped chives, sea salt, black pepper, and another drizzle of olive oil (2–3 tablespoons). Stir until everything is evenly coated and bright green flecks are woven throughout.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

Now toss in the fresh basil and give it one final stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning—maybe a bit more lemon juice or salt depending on your preference. Plate your pasta salad and top each serving with fresh dill and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. You can serve this dish warm, at room temp, or even chilled. It’s one of those recipes that adapts to your mood—and your fridge space.

Looking for another spring favorite? Check out this Fresh and Easy Vietnamese Noodle Salad or the always delicious Spinach Lemon Pasta for similar flavor vibes.

What to Serve with Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein

This dish is plenty satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to build a spread or round out a potluck, you’ve got options. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a bright Greek Pasta Salad for even more fresh flavor. Want something with crunch? A side of Cilantro Lime Slaw offers the perfect contrast. You could even go all-in on spring greens with a bowl of Creamy Asparagus Soup on the side. If it’s BBQ season, serve this salad chilled with grilled chicken, veggie skewers, or a light white wine. Don’t forget a loaf of crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce at the bottom of the bowl.

Key Tips for Making Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein

Start with quality pasta—especially if using gluten-free. It makes a difference in both texture and flavor. Don’t skip the fresh herbs; they really brighten the dish and add that “wow” moment. Want to make it dairy-free? Just sub the ghee and Parmesan with your favorite plant-based options. Add your peas straight from frozen to keep them from getting mushy. Taste your sauce before mixing everything—this helps you catch seasoning adjustments early. And finally, this recipe is flexible, so don’t be afraid to get creative: try arugula instead of spinach, swap in lentil pasta for extra protein, or stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a bold, tangy bite.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Since it holds up well, it’s a great meal prep option. If the pasta starts to absorb the sauce and gets a little dry, just add a splash of broth or olive oil before reheating. It’s delicious cold, but if you prefer it warm, microwave it for about a minute or reheat gently on the stovetop. Stir as you reheat to revive the textures and flavors. Avoid freezing this dish—the pasta and fresh herbs won’t love it, and nobody wants sad spinach.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Just swap the sausage for a plant-based version or try chickpeas or white beans for protein.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta like Jovial brand or chickpea-based versions.

Can I serve it cold?
Absolutely. This salad tastes great warm, room temp, or straight from the fridge.

What’s the best pasta to use?
Short pastas like bow tie, penne, or Mafalda work best—they grab onto the sauce and hold up well.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Totally! It’s even better after a few hours when the flavors have mingled. Just store it chilled and add the dill topping right before serving.

Final Thoughts

Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Protein is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together—even when your to-do list says otherwise. It’s flavorful, fast, and feeds a crowd (or just your hungry self for a few days). Whether you’re whipping it up for a picnic, a work lunch, or a weeknight dinner, this dish brings spring’s best flavors into one beautiful bowl. Plus, the step-by-step method makes it a breeze, even if you’re juggling kids, emails, and dinner all at once. If you love this, you might also enjoy our 20-Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad or our fan-favorite Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Try it once, and you’ll wonder how you ever got through spring without it.

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