Best 5 Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad Recipes
Are you looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish to enjoy as a main course or side? Creamy pesto pasta salad might be the perfect option for you. This delectable salad combines the vibrant flavors of pesto, creamy dressing, and tender pasta to create a tantalizing dish that is sure to please any palate. Whether you're planning a summer picnic, a potluck dinner, or simply want a light and satisfying meal at home, this creamy pesto pasta salad is the perfect choice. With its colorful ingredients and rich flavors, it's sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CREAMY PESTO PASTA SALAD
Pesto is great with pasta whether it's warm OR cold. This creamy pesto pasta salad is a great make-ahead side dish to feed a crowd, or a great dinner all on its own.
Provided by The Blue Jean Chef, Meredith Laurence
Categories Entrées Side Dishes Salads
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions, until it is al dente - about 9 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to wash off the starch. Transfer the pasta to large bowl and let it cool.
- Make the dressing. Using a food processor running with the lid on, drop the garlic and Parmesan cheese down the feed tube and process to fine crumbs. Add the pine nuts and process again. Add the basil leaves and drizzle the olive oil down the feed tube slowly while the processor runs and blends everything together. Add the buttermilk and mayonnaise and process until smooth. Season to taste with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Set the dressing aside.
- Add the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, orange peppers, red onion and fresh mozzarella to the bowl with the pasta. Pour the dressing over the top and toss to coat. Season the salad with salt and fresh ground black pepper and serve chilled.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 495 kcal, Carbohydrate 49 g, Protein 17 g, Fat 26 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Cholesterol 32 mg, Sodium 609 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CREAMY PESTO PASTA SALAD
I love pesto so this is one of my absolute favorites. I took it to a picnic and it didn't last long at all. It's from the Favorite Brand Names Cookbook.
Provided by pesce_gurl
Categories Potluck
Time 20m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Mix pesto and salad dressing until well blended. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Refrigerate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 161.6, Fat 1.9, SaturatedFat 0.3, Sodium 82.1, Carbohydrate 30.6, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 0.7, Protein 5.3
CREAMY PESTO & CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
If you need a quick boost of carbohydrates, try this filling and nutritionally-balanced pasta salad
Provided by Good Food team
Categories Dinner, Main course
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook the pasta following pack instructions. Meanwhile, mix the red pepper with the cherry tomatoes and chicken. Mix the pesto and crème fraîche. Drain the pasta, then stir it through. Toss through the veg and chicken and eat immediately, or pack into a container for lunch.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 600 calories, Fat 15 grams fat, SaturatedFat 4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 68 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 7 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 47 grams protein, Sodium 0.3 milligram of sodium
CREAMY PESTO PASTA SALAD
Taste the Mediterranean with our Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad! Black olives and sun-dried tomatoes highlight this easy-to-make scrumptious pesto pasta salad.
Provided by My Food and Family
Categories Pasta
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 servings, about 2/3 cup each
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Mix pesto and dressing in large bowl until blended.
- Add remaining ingredients; mix lightly.
- Refrigerate 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 340, Fat 21 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 440 mg, Carbohydrate 30 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 3 g, Protein 8 g
CREAMY ITALIAN PESTO PASTA SALAD
Wow the whole family with a Creamy Italian Pesto Pasta Salad. Adding Parmesan cheese emphasizes that rich, Italian flavor.
Provided by My Food and Family
Categories Home
Time 3h20m
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt.
- Drain pasta; place in large bowl. Add cream cheese spread, pesto sauce and milk; toss until smooth and evenly coated. Add arugula, tomatoes and peppers; mix lightly.
- Refrigerate 3 hours or until chilled. Stir in Parmesan and nuts just before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 250, Fat 11 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Sodium 360 mg, Carbohydrate 28 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, Protein 10 g
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the pasta salad will taste. If you can, use fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
- Make the pesto ahead of time: Pesto can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you're ready to make the pasta salad.
- Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, and it refers to the ideal texture for cooked pasta. Pasta that is cooked al dente is still slightly firm to the bite.
- Drain the pasta well: Before adding the pasta to the salad, make sure to drain it well. This will prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Let the pasta salad cool before serving: This will help the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion:
Creamy pesto pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is made with fresh ingredients and a creamy pesto dressing. The pasta salad can be served immediately or chilled for later. With a few simple tips, you can make a creamy pesto pasta salad that is sure to impress your friends and family.
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