The Best Mint Pea Pasta (with lemon & garlic!)
This Mint Pea Pasta with Lemon & Garlic is the perfect fresh weeknight dinner or easy meal prep lunch. What I love about this 30 Minute Dinner is that it tastes light and bright while still being satisfying.
I’ve been making this for years during spring and summer when I want something refreshing but still comforting and it makes amazing leftovers. The lemony garlic dressing gets even better as it sits, and the mint adds such a fresh flavor.
If you like this dish, you should try my Easy Chickpea Quinoa Salad, Garlicky Kale Steak and Couscous Salad, or Salmon Poke Bowls.
Why You Will Love This Dinner
Easy cooking
Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this easy enough for busy weeknights.
Healthy ingredients
Packed with greens, fresh herbs, and bright flavors.
Versatile meal
Serve warm, cold, or as an easy meal prep lunch.
Ingredients
Orzo – A pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the dressing beautifully.
Green peas – Add sweetness, color, and extra fiber.
Fresh mint – Brings a bright, refreshing flavor that makes this dish unique.
Goat cheese – Adds creaminess and tangy flavor.
Olive oil – Forms the base of the simple garlic dressing.
Lemon juice and zest – Brighten the entire dish and balance the richness.
Garlic – Adds bold flavor.
Kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
Use a different pasta:
Another small pasta shape works well.
Add protein:
Try shrimp, salmon, or chicken.
Use feta instead:
Feta works great if you don’t love goat cheese.
Add greens:
Arugula or spinach are delicious additions.
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to prevent sticking.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine ingredients: Add peas, mint, and goat cheese to the bowl with the orzo.
- Dress pasta: Pour half the dressing over the pasta and toss well to coat. Add more dressing to taste.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
Tips and Notes
- Toss the orzo with oil immediately after cooking to prevent sticking.
- Fresh mint makes a huge difference in flavor here.
- Add the goat cheese last for the best texture.
- This tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge.
Can I serve this cold?
Absolutely, it works great as a pasta salad.
Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, just thaw them first.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Serve cold or warm gently in the microwave.
Tips:
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving leftovers to brighten the flavors.
I hope you are Over the Spoon for this recipe!
It is my goal to inspire you to create healthy and easy meals.
It would mean the world if you could leave a review or a star rating below!
The Best Mint Pea Pasta (with Lemon & Garlic!)
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free orzo
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast cubed or shredded
- 10 ounces green peas thawed if frozen
- ¾ cup roughly chopped mint leaves
- ¾ cup crumbled goat cheese
For the Lemon Garlic Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Toss with a little olive oil.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add peas, mint, and goat cheese to the orzo.
- Pour dressing over the pasta and toss well to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
