Best 2 Super Easy Pesto Pasta Salad Recipes
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our delectable Pesto Pasta Salad, a culinary masterpiece that combines the vibrant freshness of pesto with the comforting warmth of pasta. This exquisite dish is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes, featuring tender pasta tossed in a luscious homemade pesto sauce, bursting with the aromatic essence of basil, the nutty richness of pine nuts, and the sharp tang of Parmesan cheese.
The tantalizing pesto sauce is crafted from scratch, ensuring an explosion of flavors in every bite. Fresh basil leaves, fragrant garlic, and a hint of lemon zest dance harmoniously with a symphony of olive oil and Parmesan cheese, creating a vibrant green sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
Succulent cherry tomatoes, sweet and juicy, add a burst of color and a delightful pop of sweetness to the dish. Roasted pine nuts, toasted to perfection, lend a subtle crunch and a nutty aroma that complements the pesto sauce beautifully. Finish this culinary masterpiece with a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adding a salty, savory touch that ties all the flavors together.
This Pesto Pasta Salad is not just a meal; it's an experience that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed hills of Italy. Its vibrant colors and enticing flavors make it perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual family gathering, a sophisticated dinner party, or a delightful picnic in the park.
Dive into the culinary journey with our step-by-step guide, where we'll unveil the secrets of crafting the perfect homemade pesto sauce and guide you through the process of assembling this flavor-packed salad. With just a few simple ingredients and a touch of culinary magic, you'll be savoring this exquisite Pesto Pasta Salad in no time.
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
SUPER EASY PESTO PASTA SALAD
This couldn't be easier to make, and it was so good! I got the original idea from Kraft, but really made it my own!
Provided by Spookygirl
Categories Penne
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place basil, garlic, salad dressing and cheese in blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Make adjustments to spices as necessary.
- Toss with olives and pasta.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to mix.
- Overnight is good.
- Serve with a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 202.1, Fat 10.7, SaturatedFat 2.2, Cholesterol 3.7, Sodium 404.6, Carbohydrate 23.7, Fiber 3.8, Sugar 2.5, Protein 4.1
Tips:
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor. If you don't have fresh basil, you can substitute 1/4 cup of dried basil, but the flavor will be less intense.
- To make a vegan version of this salad, use vegan pesto and omit the cheese.
- If you want a more substantial salad, add some grilled chicken or shrimp.
- This salad is best served fresh, but it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
This super easy pesto pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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