Best 4 Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad Recipes
Indulge in the symphony of flavors that is Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad, a culinary masterpiece that captivates the senses with its vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and delectable taste. This exceptional dish combines the richness of pesto, the creaminess of mayonnaise, and the tanginess of lemon juice to create a dressing that elevates ordinary pasta to an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're seeking a quick and easy weekday meal or a delightful dish to impress your dinner guests, this versatile salad will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings. With variations ranging from a classic pesto recipe to a sun-dried tomato pesto and a roasted red pepper pesto, this article offers a comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad. Dive into this culinary journey and discover the secrets to creating a dish that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
CREAMY PESTO PASTA SALAD
Pesto is great with pasta whether it's warm OR cold. This creamy pesto pasta salad is a great make-ahead side dish to feed a crowd, or a great dinner all on its own.
Provided by The Blue Jean Chef, Meredith Laurence
Categories Entrées Side Dishes Salads
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions, until it is al dente - about 9 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to wash off the starch. Transfer the pasta to large bowl and let it cool.
- Make the dressing. Using a food processor running with the lid on, drop the garlic and Parmesan cheese down the feed tube and process to fine crumbs. Add the pine nuts and process again. Add the basil leaves and drizzle the olive oil down the feed tube slowly while the processor runs and blends everything together. Add the buttermilk and mayonnaise and process until smooth. Season to taste with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Set the dressing aside.
- Add the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, orange peppers, red onion and fresh mozzarella to the bowl with the pasta. Pour the dressing over the top and toss to coat. Season the salad with salt and fresh ground black pepper and serve chilled.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 495 kcal, Carbohydrate 49 g, Protein 17 g, Fat 26 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Cholesterol 32 mg, Sodium 609 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CREAMY PESTO & CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
If you need a quick boost of carbohydrates, try this filling and nutritionally-balanced pasta salad
Provided by Good Food team
Categories Dinner, Main course
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook the pasta following pack instructions. Meanwhile, mix the red pepper with the cherry tomatoes and chicken. Mix the pesto and crème fraîche. Drain the pasta, then stir it through. Toss through the veg and chicken and eat immediately, or pack into a container for lunch.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 600 calories, Fat 15 grams fat, SaturatedFat 4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 68 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 7 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 47 grams protein, Sodium 0.3 milligram of sodium
CREAMY PESTO PASTA SALAD
I love pesto so this is one of my absolute favorites. I took it to a picnic and it didn't last long at all. It's from the Favorite Brand Names Cookbook.
Provided by pesce_gurl
Categories Potluck
Time 20m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Mix pesto and salad dressing until well blended. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Refrigerate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 161.6, Fat 1.9, SaturatedFat 0.3, Sodium 82.1, Carbohydrate 30.6, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 0.7, Protein 5.3
CREAMY PESTO PASTA SALAD
Taste the Mediterranean with our Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad! Black olives and sun-dried tomatoes highlight this easy-to-make scrumptious pesto pasta salad.
Provided by My Food and Family
Categories Pasta
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 servings, about 2/3 cup each
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Mix pesto and dressing in large bowl until blended.
- Add remaining ingredients; mix lightly.
- Refrigerate 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 340, Fat 21 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 440 mg, Carbohydrate 30 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 3 g, Protein 8 g
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the more flavorful your pasta salad will be. Fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes are all essential for this recipe.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and less flavorful.
- Let the pasta cool before adding the other ingredients: This will help to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
- Use a light hand with the pesto: A little bit of pesto goes a long way. Too much pesto can overwhelm the other flavors in the pasta salad.
- Add the cheese and vegetables last: This will help to prevent them from becoming overcooked.
Conclusion:
This creamy pesto pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is packed with flavor and can be easily customized to your liking. Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this pasta salad is sure to please everyone at your table.
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