Best 3 Best Cold Pesto Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in the symphony of flavors with our tantalizing Cold Pesto Pasta Salad, a refreshing and vibrant dish that will transport your taste buds to a Mediterranean paradise. This delectable salad combines the zesty freshness of basil pesto with the al dente bite of perfectly cooked pasta, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Tossed with sun-ripened tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a hint of garlic, this salad bursts with a symphony of colors and aromas. Whether you're seeking a light and flavorful lunch option, a delightful side dish for your next gathering, or a wholesome vegetarian meal, our Cold Pesto Pasta Salad has something for everyone. Dive into this culinary masterpiece and experience a taste of summer in every bite.

In addition to the classic Cold Pesto Pasta Salad, this article offers a delightful array of variations to suit diverse tastes and preferences. Craving a creamy and indulgent treat? Try the irresistible Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad, where a velvety blend of pesto and cream sauce coats each strand of pasta, creating a luscious and decadent dish. For a vibrant and tangy twist, the Lemon Pesto Pasta Salad bursts with the brightness of lemon and fresh herbs, offering a refreshing and zesty alternative. If you're seeking a hearty and protein-packed option, the Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad incorporates tender grilled chicken, adding a satisfying savory element to the salad. And for those with a passion for bold and spicy flavors, the Spicy Pesto Pasta Salad delivers a fiery kick with the addition of chili flakes and red pepper flakes, igniting your taste buds with each bite.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

GARDEN PESTO PASTA SALAD



Garden Pesto Pasta Salad image

My family and I live on a homestead in the Missouri Ozarks and produce much of our own food. In the summer, when the garden is bursting with fresh vegetables and it's too hot to cook, I like to use the season's veggies for pasta salads and other cool meals. -Sarah Mathews, Ava, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups uncooked spiral pasta (about 9 ounces)
1/2 cup prepared pesto
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water and drain well., Meanwhile, whisk together pesto, vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil until blended., Combine vegetables and pasta. Drizzle with pesto dressing; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, until cold, about 1 hour. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 217 calories, Fat 11g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 339mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

PESTO PASTA SALAD



Pesto Pasta Salad image

Provided by Food Network

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup macadamia nuts, lightly toasted
3 cloves garlic
1 1/2 cups cilantro leaves
1/2 cup goat cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 to 2 jalapenos, seeded and roughly chopped
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 pound orecchiette pasta, cooked
Parmesan cheese (optional)
4 plum tomatoes, diced

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients for pesto sauce in food processor, except olive oil and lime juice. Pulse to a rough paste, then pulse in olive oil and lime juice. Toss with cooked, cooled pasta and Parmesan. Fold in 3 chopped tomatoes, and scatter 4th tomato over top of pasta.

FABULOUS PESTO PASTA SALAD



Fabulous Pesto Pasta Salad image

This chilled pasta salad is perfect as a side dish or a main course. Serve with warm garlic bread and the perfect wine!

Provided by ERILEY

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Farfalle Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 ½ tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 ½ cups chopped fresh basil
½ cup chopped fresh oregano
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™)
⅓ cup red wine vinegar
½ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 (4 ounce) package grated Parmesan cheese
4 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
6 green onions, chopped
1 (4 ounce) can minced black olives
1 (16 ounce) package farfalle (bow tie) pasta
½ cup pine nuts
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, pepper, onion powder, mustard, garlic, basil, oregano, cilantro, hot pepper sauce, red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Add the tomatoes, green onions and olives to the bowl, and stir to coat. Refrigerate.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and cook for 7 minutes, or until tender. Drain, and rinse with cold water to cool. Add pasta to the bowl of dressing, and mix well. Top with mozzarella cheese and pine nuts. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 505.5 calories, Carbohydrate 50.7 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Fat 26.7 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 18.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.6 g, Sodium 730.6 mg, Sugar 6 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh basil, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, for the best flavor.
  • If you don't have a food processor, you can chop the basil and nuts by hand.
  • Be sure to taste the pesto before adding it to the pasta salad, and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  • For a more flavorful pasta salad, use a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
  • If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pesto instead of making your own.

Conclusion:

Cold pesto pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its bright flavors and vibrant colors, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or barbecue.

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