Best Super Easy Pesto Pasta Salad Recipes

PESTO CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Boil pasta for 8-9 minutes until tender, rinse with cold water, drain, and place in a large bowl.
• Add spinach and arugula, shredded chicken, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese pasta bowl.
• Whisk together Italian salad dressing and pesto sauce until smooth, then pour over pasta. Toss to combine. Top with cracked black pepper and grated parmesan cheese as desired.
• Serve immediately or cover and chill up to 8 hours and toss just before serving.

PESTO PASTA SALAD

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.

SUPER EASY PESTO PASTA SALAD

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.