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
LIGHT LEMON PESTO PASTA
Light, yet full of flavor, this pesto is perfect tossed with hot spaghetti for a quick dinner. It is also excellent as a pizza sauce or smeared on hot French bread. It freezes well to preserve the bounty of summer basil.
Provided by Baking Nana
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti at a boil until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes; drain. Transfer spaghetti to a large bowl.
- Put cubed Romano cheese in the bowl of a food processor; process until coarsely grated, about 30 seconds. Put garlic into the food processor and process until the cheese and garlic are combined. Add spinach, basil, walnuts, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt; process until the mixture comes together into a thick paste. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
- With food processor running, drizzle olive oil into the mixture. Continue processing until the oil is integrated smoothly.
- Pour sauce over spaghetti and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 464.7 calories, Carbohydrate 60.2 g, Cholesterol 19.7 mg, Fat 17.2 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 18 g, SaturatedFat 4.7 g, Sodium 337.3 mg, Sugar 2.7 g
PASTA SALAD WITH LEMON-PESTO DRESSING
This is a Food Network recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray. A wonderful picnic or potluck salad... no mayo!
Provided by Docs Mom
Categories Potluck
Time 20m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it.
- Place pesto, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsely, 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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 293.2, Fat 1.3, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 9.1, Carbohydrate 59.5, Fiber 3.1, Sugar 1.8, Protein 10.4
NEELY'S LEMON PASTA SALAD
Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network
Time 30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse. Set aside.
- In another large pot of boiling salted water, add the asparagus and blanch until bright green and slightly tender, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon or a spider and shock in icy cold water. Remove from the water and dry well.
- Trim the ends of the asparagus and cut into bite-size pieces on the bias.
- Whisk together the mustard, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Combine the reserved asparagus and pasta in a large serving bowl. Add the tomatoes, dill, peas, feta, and the mustard dressing. Toss with tongs to coat the salad well. Taste and add additional salt and pepper, if needed.
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