Best 7 Garden Pesto Pasta Salad Recipes

PASTA, PESTO, AND PEAS

Steps:

• Cook the fusilli and bow ties separately in a large pot of boiling salted water for 10 to 12 minutes until each pasta is al dente. Drain and toss into a bowl with the olive oil. Cool to room temperature.
• In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, puree the pesto, spinach, and lemon juice. Add the mayonnaise and puree. Add the pesto mixture to the cooled pasta and then add the Parmesan, peas, pignoli, salt, and pepper. Mix well, season to taste, and serve at room temperature.
• Place the walnuts, pignoli, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process for 15 seconds. Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper. With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl through the feed tube and process until the pesto is thoroughly pureed. Add the Parmesan and puree for a minute. Use right away or store the pesto in the refrigerator or freezer with a thin film of olive oil on top.
• Notes: Air is the enemy of pesto. For freezing, pack it in containers with a film of oil or plastic wrap directly on top with the air pressed out.
• To clean basil, remove the leaves, swirl them in a bowl of water, and then spin them very dry in a salad spinner. Store them in a closed plastic bag with a slightly damp paper towel. As long as the leaves are dry they will stay green for several days.

GARDEN PESTO PASTA SALAD WITH ROTINI

Steps:

• Serve cold or at room temperature and enjoy.

GARDEN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta in large pot of boiling water until al dente. Rinse under cold water, and drain.
• Mix chopped carrots, celery, cucumber, green pepper, tomatoes, and onion together in large bowl.
• Combine cooled pasta and vegetables together in large bowl. Pour Italian dressing over mixture, add Parmesan cheese and mix well.
• Chill for one hour before serving.

CRUNCHY LEMON-PESTO GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• In a bowl, whisk together the first 6 ingredients until blended. In another bowl, combine squash, cucumbers, peas, Parmesan and green onions. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Top with bacon to serve.

GARDEN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain but do not rinse. Return pasta to the pan; add vegetables and toss. Cover for 3-5 minutes. Vegetables will lightly steam in pasta. , Place pasta in a large salad bowl. Top with three-fourths of the dressing and lightly toss. Chill several hours or overnight. , If pasta is dry, add remaining dressing along with meat, cheese, olives, and parsley or basil if desired. Chill until serving.

GARDEN PASTA AND PESTO CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta as directed on package; drain. Rinse with cold water. Place in large bowl.
• Add all remaining ingredients except tomatoes; mix lightly. Sprinkle with the tomatoes; cover.
• Refrigerate several hours or until chilled.

FABULOUS PESTO PASTA SALAD

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.