Best Anytime Pesto Prawn Pasta Salad Recipes

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PASTA SALAD WITH PESTO & PRAWNS



Pasta salad with pesto & prawns image

This is a wonderful, zingy dish, perfect for a lunch out in the garden - use our recipe for homemade pesto to make it extra special

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Lunch, Supper

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 9

400g dried short pasta , such as rigatoni or penne
about extra-virgin olive oil
200g peeled cooked prawn
5 tbsp (100g/4oz) green pesto
3 tbsp mayonnaise
juice of ½ lemon or lime
3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley , preferably flatleaf
a few basil leaves , shredded with your fingers, plus extra for sprinkling
lemon wedges, for squeezing

Steps:

  • Plunge the pasta into a large pan of salted boiling water and cook according to packet instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta into a colander and hold it under cold running water to cool it down quickly.
  • Shake off the excess water and tip the pasta into a large bowl. Toss in 1 tbsp olive oil to coat thoroughly (this helps stop the pasta from sticking together), then add the prawns.
  • Mix the pesto, mayonnaise and lemon or lime juice with some salt and pepper to taste. If you need to slacken the mixture a bit, stir in a little more olive oil. Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta and prawns and give everything a good stir. Add the parsley and basil leaves and stir again, then pile into your serving dish and serve scattered with extra shredded basil leaves, plus lemon wedges for squeezing over the salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 600 calories, Fat 24 grams fat, SaturatedFat 2 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 78 grams carbohydrates, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 24 grams protein, Sodium 2 milligram of sodium

SHRIMP PESTO PASTA SALAD



Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad image

Combine pesto shrimp, cherry tomatoes and pasta for a perfect summer pasta dish!

Provided by Madeline

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb bowtie pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
8oz cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup pesto
2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves cut into ribbons

Steps:

  • Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain pasta and place in a large mixing bowl. Toss pasta in olive oil.
  • While the pasta boils, steam shrimp in a steamer basket over boiling water. Time will depend on the size of the shrimp, but you will know they are cooked through when the shrimp is pink and makes a C shape.
  • Slice steamed shrimp into bite size pieces and cut cherry tomatoes into quarters. Add them to the mixing bowl with the cooked pasta and basil ribbons.
  • In a small mixing bowl whisk together pesto, white balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Pour pesto mixture into the large mixing bowl with the rest of the ingredients.
  • Toss to combine fully. Top with extra basil and freshly grated parmesan to serve.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 304 calories, Sugar 2.6 g, Sodium 357.5 mg, Fat 10.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 16.2 g, Cholesterol 73 mg

What is Anytime Pesto Prawn Pasta Salad?

Anytime pesto prawn pasta salad is a delicious and healthy recipe that is perfect for any time of the day. It is a refreshing meal that combines pasta, prawns, and a pesto dressing to create a light and tasty dish.
The Benefits of Pesto and Prawns
Pesto is a delicious Mediterranean sauce made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. It is a great source of antioxidants and healthy fats that can help to fight inflammation and boost heart health. Prawns, on the other hand, are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are important for brain health and can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
The Nutritional Value of Anytime Pesto Prawn Pasta Salad
Anytime pesto prawn pasta salad is a nutrient-rich meal that provides a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The ingredients used in this recipe are high in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates that can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer.
The Easy Preparation Method
One of the best things about this recipe is that it is very easy to prepare. All you need is some cooked pasta, prawns, pesto, and a few vegetables of your choice. Simply mix everything together and you're done!
The Versatility of the Recipe
Another great thing about this recipe is that it is versatile. You can use any type of pasta that you like, and you can add or substitute ingredients as you please. For example, you could add some cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, or grilled chicken to give the dish a different flavor.
The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion
Anytime pesto prawn pasta salad is the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy lunch, a healthy dinner, or a dish to bring to a potluck or picnic, this recipe is sure to please. It is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for any time of the day.

Valuable Tips for Making Anytime Pesto Prawn Pasta Salad Recipes

Pesto prawn pasta salad is a refreshing dish that combines the tanginess of pesto sauce, succulent prawns, and the goodness of pasta. This salad is easy to make and serves as a perfect meal to enjoy on a hot summer day or anytime you need a quick and delicious meal. Here are some valuable tips for making anytime pesto prawn pasta salad recipes:
1. Use fresh ingredients
When making pesto prawn pasta salad, always use fresh ingredients. Fresh ingredients will help enhance the taste and quality of the salad. Pesto sauce, prawns, pasta, spinach, and tomatoes are the main ingredients used to make this salad, and it’s essential to use fresh and ripe ingredients for the best flavor.
2. Don't overcook the prawns
One of the keys to getting the perfect pesto prawn pasta salad is to cook the prawns just right. Overcooking the prawns will result in a chewy and rubbery texture, which is not very appetizing. To get the perfect texture, cook the prawns for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
3. Use whole wheat pasta
Choosing the right pasta for your salad is crucial. Whole wheat pasta is a healthier option that adds fiber to your salad. It also helps you feel fuller for a longer time. Whole wheat pasta has a nutty flavor that complements the pesto sauce, making it an excellent choice for your pesto prawn pasta salad.
4. Add vegetables to your salad
Adding vegetables to your salad is a great way to increase its nutritional value. Spinach, tomatoes, and red bell peppers add color and flavor to your pesto prawn pasta salad. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or carrots to your salad.
5. Season the salad well
Seasoning is critical when making any recipe, and it's no different for pesto prawn pasta salad. Add salt and pepper according to your taste. You can also add other herbs and spices like garlic powder, oregano, or thyme to enhance the flavor of your salad.
6. Use homemade pesto sauce
Homemade pesto sauce is easy to make and tastes better than store-bought pesto sauce. To make pesto sauce at home, blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. You can adjust the flavor and consistency of the sauce according to your preference.
7. Use a variety of prawns
Using a variety of prawns adds depth to the flavor of your salad. You can use different types of prawns like tiger prawns, king prawns or Pacific white prawns. Try different types of prawns to find the one that suits your preference.
8. Add cheese to your salad
Adding cheese to your salad gives it a creamy and tangy flavor. Parmesan cheese, feta cheese, or goat cheese are great choices to complement your salad. Cheese also adds protein and a nice texture to your salad.
9. Let your salad sit for a while
Allow your pesto prawn pasta salad to sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to combine and enhances the taste of the salad.
10. Presentation Matters
Serve your pesto prawn pasta salad in a large bowl for everyone to enjoy or in individual small bowls for an elegant presentation. Garnish your salad with fresh basil leaves or grated cheese for added flavor and a beautiful presentation. In conclusion, pesto prawn pasta salad is an all-time favorite dish that is versatile, easy to make, and can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. By following these valuable tips, you can create a delicious and healthy salad that everyone will love.

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