This Herby Spring Pasta Salad with Protein is a fresh and vibrant dish, perfect for spring and summer! Made with pesto, fresh herbs, lemon, and high-protein sausage or ground turkey, this pasta salad is both nourishing and full of flavor. Serve it as a light lunch, dinner, or a side dish for your next gathering. It’s easy to make, packed with greens and protein, and deliciously satisfying!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad:

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 lb organic pork or chicken sausage (or substitute with ground turkey/chicken)
½ medium onion, finely diced
1 box pasta (Mafalda, bow tie, or penne)
2 cups spinach, finely chopped
½ cup fresh basil, chopped
1 heaping tbsp minced garlic
3 tbsp pesto
¾ cup chicken bone broth (or any broth)
3 tbsp milk (cashew milk or regular)
2 tbsp ghee
1 ¼ cup frozen peas
1 lemon, juiced
½ tbsp lemon zest
¼ cup grated Parmesan
¼ cup chives, chopped
1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
2 tsp sea salt

For the Topping:

3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Grated Parmesan

Directions

Cook the Protein: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage or ground meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Onions: Add another tbsp of oil to the same skillet and cook the onions for 3-4 minutes until softened. Remove and set aside with the protein.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in pesto and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Add broth, milk, and ghee, then simmer for a few minutes. Return the cooked protein and onions to the skillet and stir.
Combine Everything: In the pasta pot, mix the cooked pasta, skillet mixture, frozen peas, lemon juice, lemon zest, spinach, Parmesan, chives, black pepper, sea salt, and 2-3 tbsp olive oil. Stir well, then fold in fresh basil.
Serve & Enjoy: Top with fresh dill and extra grated Parmesan. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

Nutrients (Per serving, approximate)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 5g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Spring and Summer: Packed with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, this dish is light yet flavorful.
High-Protein and Satisfying: With 30g of protein per serving, it keeps you full and energized.
Great for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
Versatile: Serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

The Secret to a Flavorful Pasta Salad

A great pasta salad relies on bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Here’s what makes this dish so delicious:

Fresh Herbs: Dill, basil, and chives bring brightness and freshness.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Adds a refreshing citrusy tang that balances the creamy pesto.
Pesto Sauce: A rich, herby base that enhances the flavors of the protein and pasta.
Spinach & Peas: Boost the nutrients while adding texture and color.
Grated Parmesan: Enhances the savory umami notes of the dish.

For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Choosing the Right Pasta for This Salad

The type of pasta you use can change the texture and overall eating experience of this dish. Here are some great options:

Mafalda (Mini Lasagna Noodles): Holds sauce well and provides a hearty bite.
Bow Tie (Farfalle): Great for scooping up pesto and small ingredients.
Penne or Rigatoni: Absorbs the sauce while keeping a nice, chewy texture.
Orzo: For a more delicate, grain-like pasta salad feel.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute with chickpea pasta, lentil pasta, or rice-based pasta.

Why Protein is Essential in This Pasta Salad

This dish is more than just a side—it’s a balanced meal thanks to the addition of protein. The chicken or pork sausage (or ground turkey/chicken) gives it a hearty texture while keeping the flavors bold and satisfying.

Chicken Sausage: Leaner and slightly smoky, adding a mild flavor.
Pork Sausage: Rich and savory, perfect if you want a stronger taste.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: A lighter alternative that absorbs the flavors of the herbs and pesto beautifully.

If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the meat with:

Chickpeas or White Beans: Adds protein and texture.
Tofu or Tempeh: Absorbs flavors well when crumbled or diced.

How to Make the Perfect Sauce for This Pasta Salad

The sauce is what brings everything together, and this one is simple, creamy, and packed with flavor. Here’s what makes it special:

Pesto: A creamy base that coats the pasta evenly.
Garlic: Adds depth and a hint of spice when sautéed.
Chicken Bone Broth: Lightens the sauce while adding umami flavor.
Milk (Cashew or Regular): Creates a smooth texture without being too heavy.
Ghee: A rich, buttery addition that deepens the flavor.

If you like a spicier kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of spicy mustard.

The Best Herbs and Greens to Use

Fresh herbs make a huge difference in this pasta salad, giving it a bright, garden-fresh taste.

Basil: A staple in Mediterranean dishes, adding sweetness and freshness.
Chives: Mild onion flavor that complements the lemon and garlic.
Dill: A light, slightly grassy taste that pairs well with lemon and Parmesan.
Spinach: Adds a nutrient boost without overpowering the flavors.

If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried basil or oregano can work, but fresh is always best for the most vibrant taste.

How to Store and Meal Prep This Pasta Salad

This pasta salad stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Best Way to Serve Leftovers: Enjoy it cold or let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer it warm, heat it gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or olive oil.
Freezing: Not recommended, as pasta and fresh herbs don’t freeze well.

If meal prepping, add extra olive oil before refrigerating to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Herby Spring Pasta Salad

This dish works well on its own but can be paired with light, complementary sides for a complete meal.

Grilled Chicken or Salmon: A great protein boost for a heavier meal.
Garlic Bread or Pita: Perfect for scooping up the pesto sauce.
Crisp Green Salad: Adds extra crunch and nutrients.
Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers pair beautifully.

For a Mediterranean-style meal, serve it with hummus, tzatziki, or olives on the side.

Ways to Customize This Recipe

This pasta salad is highly adaptable, so feel free to switch up the ingredients based on what you have:

Make It Dairy-Free: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and substitute cashew cream for milk.
Add More Crunch: Toss in toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or slivered almonds.
Make It Vegan: Replace the protein with roasted chickpeas or marinated tofu.
Lower the Carbs: Swap regular pasta for zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or shirataki noodles.
Boost the Protein Further: Mix in hemp seeds, cottage cheese, or Greek yogurt.

Who Will Love This Recipe?

Busy Professionals: A great meal prep option that’s easy to grab and go.
Athletes & Fitness Enthusiasts: High in protein and complex carbs for sustained energy.
Families: Kid-friendly and easily customizable for picky eaters.
Vegetarians & Vegans: Can be easily modified for a plant-based diet.

Conclusion

This Herby Spring Pasta Salad with Protein is a must-try dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors, high-quality protein, and nourishing ingredients. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a vibrant side dish, it’s a versatile meal that fits any occasion.

The combination of pesto, lemon, spinach, and Parmesan gives it a bright, herby kick, while the high-protein sausage or ground turkey ensures it’s filling and balanced. Plus, it’s easy to make, meal-prep-friendly, and completely customizable to fit your dietary needs.

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