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
MARINATED PESTO ROSSO SALAD
A delicious vegetarian salad perfect for everyone! Top with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano before serving.
Provided by CHERYLPTW
Categories Cauliflower Salad
Time 1h56m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain. Let pasta chill.
- Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add asparagus tips and cook uncovered until bright green, about 3 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately immerse in ice water for several minutes to stop the cooking process. Drain.
- Mix pasta, asparagus tips, roasted red peppers, onion, tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, cauliflower, fennel, and parsley in a large bowl.
- Combine sun-dried tomatoes, basil leaves, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, mascarpone cheese, roasted garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Process together and slowly add reserved sun-dried tomato oil and olive oil. Blend until dressing is smooth.
- Pour dressing over pasta-vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 573.6 calories, Carbohydrate 36.3 g, Cholesterol 13.1 mg, Fat 44.5 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 10 g, SaturatedFat 8.2 g, Sodium 677.6 mg, Sugar 3.8 g
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love