Best 7 Florentine Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in the symphony of flavors that is Florentine Pasta Salad, a delightful dish that combines the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach, the nutty richness of pine nuts, and the tangy zest of lemon vinaigrette. This versatile salad serves as an excellent side dish or light main course, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a healthy weeknight meal. With three variations to choose from, this recipe accommodates diverse dietary preferences and taste buds. The classic version features crisp bell peppers and sun-dried tomatoes, while the vegetarian alternative substitutes hearty artichoke hearts for the bell peppers. For a vegan twist, the dairy-free variation replaces Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable salad.

Let's cook with our recipes!

15 MINUTE FLORENTINE PASTA SALAD



15 Minute Florentine Pasta Salad image

Fresh, fast, fantastic! Create a yummy pasta salad in no time with a little help from packaged fresh pasta and pesto sauce. Recipe is great as is or make it your own by adding grilled shrimp or chicken, fresh mushrooms, green peas, carrots, sun-dried tomatoes, etc. Found this recipe in BHG, May 1990. Enjoy!

Provided by Mrs.Jack

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (9 ounce) package fresh linguine or 1 (9 ounce) package fresh fettuccine pasta
1 (7 ounce) package fresh pesto sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups shredded fresh spinach
1 cup coarsely chopped tomatoes
3/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Cook linguine according to package directions. Drain and cool under cold running water. Drain thoroughly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine pesto sauce and lemon juice.
  • Add linguine; toss well.
  • Add spinach, tomato, and onion; toss until coated well.
  • Spoon onto individual plates or a large platter. Sprinkle w/ pine nuts and top w/ grated parmesan cheese.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 133.3, Fat 3.7, SaturatedFat 0.3, Cholesterol 23.3, Sodium 15.9, Carbohydrate 21, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 1.5, Protein 4.8

INSALATA FLORENTINE ROMANO'S MACARONI GRILL COPYCAT



Insalata Florentine Romano's Macaroni Grill Copycat image

This is the most delicious salad; I just had to figure out how to make it! Light and refreshing, and you could add sliced chicken or flaked salmon for some protein.

Provided by hotdishmama

Categories     European

Time 20m

Yield 2 entree servings, 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 cups spinach, julienned
1 cup radicchio or 1 cup arugula, julienned
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
1/2 cup orzo pasta
3 tablespoons pine nuts
3 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons capers
1/3 cup green olives, chopped
6 kalamata olives, sliced
3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, shaved (to garnish)
1 lemon, juice and zest of
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil leaf, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
salt, pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, combine all salad ingredients in a bowl and toss.
  • Drain pasta thoroughly and cool. Add to salad ingredients and toss.
  • Whisk lemon juice and zest, mustard, honey, garlic, chives, basil, oil, and salt and pepper.
  • Toss dressing with salad, top with shaved parmesan, and serve.

CHICKEN FLORENTINE SALAD WITH ORZO PASTA



Chicken Florentine Salad with Orzo Pasta image

This hearty salad is a delicious meal that will fill any tummy! Serve as a main course and everyone will be pleased! Has pleased my friends and family time and time again!

Provided by EMILIEWASMYEVE

Categories     Salad     Pasta Salad     Spinach Pasta Salad

Time 40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 cups orzo pasta
2 (10 ounce) packages baby spinach
3 cups chopped grilled chicken
2 roma tomatoes, diced
½ cup pine nuts
¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons capers, or to taste
1 cup balsamic vinegar
⅓ cup olive oil
¼ cup white sugar
2 tablespoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 10 to 11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Mix orzo, spinach, chicken, tomatoes, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers in a large bowl.
  • Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, parsley, basil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a bowl; drizzle over salad. Toss to coat. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 488.3 calories, Carbohydrate 54.4 g, Cholesterol 41.6 mg, Fat 19.1 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 529.9 mg, Sugar 14.4 g

COLD CHICKEN FLORENTINE PASTA SALAD



Cold Chicken Florentine Pasta Salad image

Chopped chicken breast and shredded mozzarella combine with pasta and spinach to make this tasty Florentine-style salad.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 10m

Yield 4 servings, 1-1/4 cups each

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 pkg. (6.9 oz.) KRAFT Italian Pasta Salad, divided
1 pkg. (6 oz.) OSCAR MAYER CARVING BOARD Flame Grilled Chicken Breast Strips, chopped
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Steps:

  • Prepare Pasta Salad following Basic Directions, reserving Parmesan pouch for later use.
  • Add chicken, spinach and mozzarella; mix lightly.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330, Fat 8 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, TransFat 0.5 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Sodium 870 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 27 g

CREAMY RIGATONI FLORENTINE



Creamy Rigatoni Florentine image

Pan-roasted garlic adds heady savor to a rich and creamy basil-infused tomato sauce. Tender cubes of sauteed chicken and fresh, green spinach go for a quick simmer along with cooked rigatoni. Toss this marvelous meal with mozzarella cheese and serve.

Provided by Colleen

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Chicken

Time 55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds boneless chicken, cubed
¼ cup sliced fresh mushrooms, or more to taste
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 pint half-and-half
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or to taste
1 (10 ounce) package fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese, or more to taste
8 leaves fresh basil, or to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; saute chicken until no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. Add mushrooms to skillet; saute until mushrooms are tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Add garlic; saute until fragrant and golden, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Stir spaghetti sauce, half-and-half, and Italian seasoning into mushroom mixture; cook and stir over medium heat until sauce thickens, 10 to 15 minutes. Mix cooked chicken and spinach into sauce and cook until spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir pasta into sauce and add mozzarella cheese; stir until cheese melts. Garnish dish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 591.7 calories, Carbohydrate 58.6 g, Cholesterol 90.8 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 5.2 g, Protein 34.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 577.9 mg, Sugar 10.4 g

CHICKEN FLORENTINE PASTA



Chicken Florentine Pasta image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 16m

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound penne
Salt
4 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
Ground pepper
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup low-sodium broth, more if needed
3/4 cup dry white wine
1 bag baby spinach
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
4 ounces Parmesan, shaved with a vegetable peeler, plus more for serving

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta according to package directions in lightly salted water. Drain and set aside.
  • Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the butter and olive oil over high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken chunks in a single layer and do not stir for a minute or two in order to allow the chicken to brown on the first side. Flip the chicken and brown on the other side. Cook until done, and then remove the chicken from the skillet.
  • Turn the heat to medium. Add the garlic and quickly stir to avoid burning. After about 30 seconds, pour in the broth and wine, stirring to deglaze the skillet. Allow the liquid to bubble up, and then continue cooking until it's reduced by at least half (most of the surface of the liquid should be bubbling at this point).
  • Turn off the heat. Add the spinach, tomatoes, chicken, cooked pasta and Parmesan shavings to the skillet. Toss to combine; the spinach will wilt as you toss everything.
  • Add more Parmesan shavings and serve immediately! Serve with extra Parmesan shavings.

SKILLET PASTA FLORENTINE



Skillet Pasta Florentine image

"Here's a great weeknight supper that's budget-friendly, healthy and liked by children." And with such a thick, cheesy topping, who'd ever guess that it's lighter? Kelly Turnbull - Jupiter, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cups 2% cottage cheese
1-1/2 cups reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 teaspoon each dried parsley flakes, oregano and basil
1 jar (14 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the egg, cottage cheese, ricotta, spinach, 1/2 cup mozzarella and herbs., Drain pasta. Place half the sauce in a large skillet; layer with pasta and remaining sauce. Top with cheese mixture., Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook until a thermometer reads 160°, 25-30 minutes. , Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and remaining mozzarella cheese; cover and cook until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 383 calories, Fat 9g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 73mg cholesterol, Sodium 775mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach has a more vibrant flavor and texture than frozen spinach. If you can't find fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it and squeeze out as much water as possible before using.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold its shape in the salad.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: This recipe calls for broccoli, carrots, and celery, but you can use any vegetables you like. Some other good options include bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
  • Make the dressing ahead of time: The dressing for this salad can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. This will save you time when you're ready to assemble the salad.
  • Serve the salad chilled: This salad is best served chilled. You can chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving, or you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Florentine Pasta Salad is a delicious and refreshing salad that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a light and flavorful salad, give Florentine Pasta Salad a try.

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