Pasta salad with pesto is a vibrant and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light lunch or dinner. It's also incredibly versatile, as you can use any type of pasta, vegetables, or protein that you like. This recipe uses a classic pesto sauce made with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, but you can also use a store-bought pesto if you're short on time. The other recipes in this article offer variations on the classic pasta salad with pesto, such as a version with grilled chicken, a vegan version with roasted vegetables, and a gluten-free version with quinoa. No matter which recipe you choose, you're sure to enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make dish.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
PESTO PASTA SALAD
This pesto pasta salad recipe is bursting with fresh flavor. It's light, healthy and easy to make. Perfect for picnics and potlucks! Recipe yields 6 to 8 side servings.
Provided by Cookie and Kate
Categories Salad
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain and immediately rinse the pasta under cool water to prevent the noodles from sticking to one another. Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl.
- Meanwhile, to prepare the pesto: In a small skillet, toast the pepitas over medium heat, stirring often, until they are fragrant and making little popping noises, about 5 minutes. Pour half of the pepitas into a bowl for later (we will use them as garnish).
- Pour the remaining pepitas into a food processor. Add the basil, parsley, lemon juice, garlic and salt. Process while slowly drizzling in the olive oil, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary, until the pepitas have broken down to create a pretty smooth sauce.
- To assemble the pasta salad, pour all of the pesto over the pasta and toss until the pasta is lightly and evenly coated, adding a tiny splash of reserved pasta cooking water if necessary to thin it out. Then add the cherry tomatoes, arugula, remaining toasted pepitas, and any optional add-ins (olives, chickpeas and/or cheese).
- Toss again to combine, then season to taste with pepper. If the pasta needs more flavor, add salt, to taste, or a splash of lemon juice. If the flavors are too bold, let it rest for a few minutes, and add a little splash of olive oil if necessary to tone down the rest.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 457 calories, Sugar 3.3 g, Sodium 153.8 mg, Fat 30 g, SaturatedFat 4.3 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 45.2 g, Fiber 6.5 g, Protein 8.4 g, Cholesterol 0 mg
PASTA, PESTO, AND PEAS
Blend fresh basil pesto at home for Ina Garten's Pasta, Pesto and Peas recipe from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network, and have a vibrant springtime meal.
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories main-dish
Time 32m
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 20
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.
PASTA SALAD WITH LEMON-PESTO DRESSING
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 20m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it.
- Place pesto, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, tomatoes, scallions and cheese in a large bowl.
- Cook pasta to al dente then cold shock it and chill it down under cold running water. Drain well. Add to mixing bowl. Combine salad and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
PESTO PASTA SALAD
Enjoy this veggie pesto pasta salad with cucumber, peas, cherry tomatoes and basil for an easy family meal. It's great for a packed lunch or summery picnic
Provided by Lulu Grimes
Categories Dinner, Lunch
Time 22m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook the pasta for 10 mins in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, then tip into a bowl. Stir in the crème fraîche followed by the pesto, then leave to cool.
- When the pasta is cool, stir in the cucumber, tomatoes and peas followed by the basil leaves. Season if it needs it, and tip into a container to transport it.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 420 calories, Fat 19 grams fat, SaturatedFat 10 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 49 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 5 grams sugar, Fiber 6 grams fiber, Protein 11 grams protein, Sodium 0.3 milligram of sodium
FABULOUS PESTO PASTA SALAD
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
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 fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Choose a pesto that you enjoy. There are many different types of pesto available, so find one that suits your taste.
- Don't overcook the pasta. Pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- Add the pesto to the pasta while it is still warm. This will help the pesto to evenly coat the pasta.
- Add other ingredients to your pasta salad, such as vegetables, cheese, or nuts. This will add flavor and texture to the salad.
- Serve the pasta salad immediately or chill it before serving. Pasta salad can be served warm or cold.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad with pesto is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a side dish. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying pasta salad that the whole family will enjoy.
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