Summery Cold Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe Perfect for Picnics

Packing a basket for a picnic under sunny skies is always delightful. Our go-to dish is a cold pesto pasta salad. Picture yourself at Central Park with loved ones, enjoying the breeze and the scent of homemade pesto.

This dish is more than a meal; it’s a journey that takes any day out to a new level. It mixes fresh cherry tomatoes and arugula’s sharp taste with rich homemade pesto. Adding Kalamata olives, chickpeas, or cheeses like feta, mozzarella, or Parmesan makes it even better for those who love vegetarian pesto pasta salad¹.

Our summer pesto pasta salad is not only delicious but also easy to make. It takes 15 minutes to prepare and another 15 to cook². This dish serves 6 to 8 people and stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Yet, it’s best enjoyed fresh, within a few hours of making it¹.

So, when you’re planning your next picnic, don’t forget this tasty cold pesto pasta salad recipe. It adds a touch of gourmet to outdoor parties, making each mouthful a summer celebration.

Introduction to Cold Pesto Pasta Salad

Our cold pesto pasta salad is known for being easy to make. It has flavors that mix well, making it ideal for any outside gathering. This recipe uses fresh basil leaves, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. These ingredients create a tasty pesto that covers the pasta just right³.

If you love food and enjoy cooking, this pesto pasta salad is for you. It’s fulfilling and straightforward to make. We suggest using 1 pound of De Cecco Fusilli pasta. It becomes perfectly al dente in about 8-10 minutes in boiling salted water³. Adding plenty of salt to the water makes the pasta taste better.

This pesto pasta salad is not only tasty but also good for you. Each serving has about 359 calories. It offers 12 grams of protein. It’s also packed with vitamins A and C, with 1655 IU of Vitamin A and 31mg of Vitamin C⁴. Plus, with 37 grams of carbs and 4 grams of fiber, it’s a filling choice⁴.

You can make this cold pasta salad even more interesting with some optional adds. Try adding 1/2 pound of boiled baby potatoes or 1/4 pound of blanched green beans³. If you’re looking to change things up, try different pastas like low-carb Palmini Pasta or Fiber Gourmet Light Pasta⁵.

Looking for more ideas? Click this link for more salad dressing options³.

Make our cold pesto pasta salad for a picnic or a relaxed meet-up. It’s a great choice that combines easy prep with great flavor. Enjoy this fresh and simple recipe at any event!

Ingredients for Our Cold Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Making a tasty cold pesto pasta salad requires the right ingredients. It’s important to gather everything you need for a delicious dish. This includes simple pesto pasta salad ingredients and fresh items.

Primary Ingredients

Begin with 1 pound of whole grain fusilli pasta⁶. Add a pint of halved cherry tomatoes for color⁷. Then, toss in three large handfuls of baby arugula for a spicy taste.

Feel free to add feta cheese or mozzarella pearls if you like. Customize further by including Kalamata olives or chickpeas to suit your taste.

Pesto Ingredients

Start your pesto with 2/3 cup of basil pesto⁸. It’s rich in fresh herbs. Add pepitas or pine nuts for a nice crunch.

Blend in basil, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Finish with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for a bold flavor. Mix well to get a tangy taste that brings the pasta to life.

With these ingredients, you’ll make a flavorful and healthy dish. This salad is perfect for any social event.

How to Make Cold Pesto Pasta Salad

Making cold pesto pasta salad is not hard. We will show you the steps to create a tasty dish. It’s great for any event.

Steps to Prepare the Pasta

Start by boiling 17 ounces of short pasta in salted water until soft, about 10 minutes. Keep half a cup of the pasta water. Then, cool the pasta under water to stop cooking and get it ready for the pesto.

Steps to Prepare the Pesto

While the pasta cools, roast 1/3 cup of pine nuts until golden. In a food processor, blend these nuts with basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Slowly add olive oil for a smooth pesto. Mix the pesto with pasta, adding pasta water to get the right thickness.

Then, add 2 cups of spinach, 1 cup of arugula, and cherry tomatoes cut in half. For more protein, put in 2 cups of chicken. Top it off with Parmesan and pepper. Enjoy it fresh, or keep in the fridge for 2 to 4 days⁹.

By doing these simple steps, you get a dish full of pesto’s fresh flavor and pasta’s heartiness. It’s perfect for picnics or home meals. Enjoy!

Fresh and Simple Ingredients for the Best Cold Pasta Salad

Making the perfect cold pasta salad? Start with fresh ingredients. We love using ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp greens like arugula or spinach. These choices not only brighten the dish visually but also taste amazing.

The secret to a standout pesto? Fresh basil and parsley. Handpicked herbs make the dish more vibrant. Their rich flavors enhance the salad far beyond what you find in a store.

We suggest adding zucchini and summer squash to your pasta salad¹⁰. They’re full of nutrients and make the dish a summer favorite. Plus, they blend seamlessly with the pesto, balancing the meal.

Toss in white cannellini beans for a creamy texture and a protein boost. Olive oil adds richness, and cucumbers bring a satisfying crunch. This blend makes the salad both filling and refreshing.

Want to elevate your pesto pasta salad? Add shredded Parmesan, diced olives, and roasted sunflower seeds¹¹. These ingredients introduce a variety of flavors and textures. They transform the salad into a dish sure to win compliments. The right ingredients can truly elevate your cold pasta salad in taste and look.

Serving Suggestions for Pesto Pasta Salad

This refreshing cold pesto pasta salad fits perfectly at picnics and summer gatherings. We’ll dive into excellent serving tips and the top pairings. These can take your outdoor meals to the next level.

Perfect Picnic Pairings

Serving cold pesto pasta salad with grilled meats or seafood is a hit. Grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp’s robust flavors match the pesto’s zesty taste. Add fresh bread like a crunchy baguette or soft focaccia for a nice texture mix with the salad.

Bright seasonal fruits like watermelon, strawberries, or blueberries make the meal pop. They bring a sweet touch that goes well with the savory salad. The sweetness offsets the pesto’s richness and the salty hints from the beans and Parmesan cheese cold pesto pasta salad serving tips¹¹.

Don’t skip on drinks to round out your picnic. Light wines, sparkling water, or homemade lemonade enhance your meal. They make sure your feast is refreshing and full of flavor¹².

“The right pairings can elevate the flavors of our cold pesto pasta salad, making it an unforgettable part of your picnic spread.”

If you’re planning a small get-together or a big family picnic, our tips and recipes aim to make your event easy and fun. Getting all the parts to work together well can turn any picnic into a fancy meal.

What really stands out with this cold pesto pasta salad is its versatility, pairing with many ingredients for a memorable picnic. Try out these ideas for your next casual day out or summer party. Your guests will love every delicious bite¹².

Nutritional Information of Our Delicious Pesto Pasta Salad

Our pesto pasta salad is full of good stuff, making it a top healthy choice. It gives you a balanced mix of nutrients for a healthy diet.

Each serving has about 590 calories and takes just 5 minutes to prepare¹³. It’s a speedy choice, whether as a side or a main dish. Whole grain pasta and baby arugula increase the fiber, helping your digestion and making you feel full. Cherry tomatoes and lemon juice add plenty of vitamins for your immune system and skin.

We’ve made sure our pasta salad has healthy fats, thanks to olive oil and pepitas¹⁴. These fats are good for your heart. The cheese in the recipe, which can be swapped for a vegan option, builds and repairs muscles.

This healthy pasta salad can be changed up with different veggies and proteins¹⁴. You can keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for meal prep and fast lunches.

Making this healthy pesto pasta salad means you get both a tasty and nutritious meal. It helps you meet your eating goals.

Tips for Customizing Your Cold Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Our customizable pesto pasta salad meets various dietary needs and preferences. Add proteins like grilled chicken or tofu for a hearty meal. This improves the taste and balances the dish.

For a vegan twist, leave out the cheese. Add olives or sundried tomatoes instead. These add rich flavor without the need for cheese.

This recipe can change to fit your tastes. Change the herbs in the pesto or add spices as you like. For example, add 2 cups of basil to your homemade pesto for a fresh flavor². Or use close to 1 cup of store-bought pesto for convenience².

Add bocconcini, cherry tomatoes, and arugula to make your dish fresher. They also add a nice texture contrast. To keep the salad moist, mix in 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise. This works when it’s freshly made and the next day².

Try different pastas and veggies in your salad. You can use 350g (12oz) of spiral pasta or choose fusilli, rotini, or penne². Cook the pasta for the time on the package plus 1 minute. This keeps it soft when it cools².

This recipe works for small or large gatherings. Its flexibility means there’s something for everyone. For more ideas on making it perfect, visit our guide here².

Here’s a table comparing some customization options:

Conclusion

Our cold pesto pasta salad is a hit for many occasions, like casual dinners or outdoor picnics. It mixes basil, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts for a taste of summer. Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and pepperoni add to its beauty and flavor¹⁵.

This recipe is good for your health and your wallet. It has 420 calories, 24g of fat, and 14g of protein per serving. At a total cost of $12.50, it’s a budget-friendly option for any gathering, costing only $2.08 per serving¹⁶.

You can keep this Caprese-inspired salad in the fridge for three days. It’s perfect as a main dish or a side at your next barbecue or picnic. The mix of ingredients and flavors will impress everyone¹⁷.

Source Links

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