Best 2 Cold Pesto Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a refreshing and flavorful journey with our delectable Cold Pesto Pasta Salad, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This vibrant dish combines the aromatic freshness of basil pesto with the delightful chewiness of pasta, creating a harmonious blend of textures. Dive into the vibrant world of flavors as tangy sun-dried tomatoes, juicy cherry tomatoes, and nutty Parmesan cheese come together in perfect harmony. For those who prefer a vegetarian twist, our recipe offers a delightful combination of crisp bell peppers, zucchini, and succulent mushrooms. With a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette dressing, this Cold Pesto Pasta Salad promises a symphony of flavors in every bite. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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

COLD PESTO PASTA SALAD



Cold Pesto Pasta Salad image

This recipe was submitted to Semi-homemade magazine by Courtney Dollar. It is a great accompaniment to a picnic, backyard bbq or anywhere you need multiple dishes that are easy to make and go well with a variety of foods. Super with chicken or sandwiches. If you substitute tri-color pasta it makes it even more colorful when matched with the fresh vegetables. You can add onions for more flavor but it is good without too. Enjoy! ChefDLH

Provided by ChefDLH

Categories     Summer

Time 15m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
1 cup frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup prepared pesto sauce (Classico is great!)
shaved parmesan cheese (or shredded)

Steps:

  • In a large heavy-bottomed pot cook pasta according to the package directions.
  • Drain pasta and rinse with cold water and drain again.
  • In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, and pesto.
  • toss.
  • top with parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 238.8, Fat 1.6, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 7.3, Carbohydrate 53.6, Fiber 7.8, Sugar 0.9, Protein 5.8

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts are essential for a flavorful pesto sauce.
  • Make the pesto sauce ahead of time. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Cook the pasta al dente. This means that it should be cooked until it is still slightly firm to the bite.
  • Add the pesto sauce to the pasta while it is still hot. This will help the sauce to coat the pasta evenly.
  • Top the pasta salad with additional ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and grilled chicken. This will add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
  • Serve the pasta salad cold or at room temperature. It is a great dish for a summer picnic or potluck.

Conclusion:

Cold pesto pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its vibrant flavors and textures, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

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