Pesto Pasta Salad

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Pesto pasta salad is a fresh twist on a classic dish. It’s perfect for lunch, as a side, or even a main meal. The creamy, herb-filled pesto brings vibrant flavors that pair well with your favorite pasta.

You can easily whip this up with just a few ingredients. It’s a simple, delicious way to enjoy a plant-based meal without missing out on any taste. Try it to see how you can transform pantry staples into something special.

Tool Requirements

To make this pasta salad, you’ll need a few simple tools.

Start with a large pot to boil your pasta. Make sure it’s big enough so the pasta can move around without sticking together.

Grab a colander for draining the cooked pasta. It’s handy for rinsing veggies too.

You’ll also want a cutting board and a knife. These are for chopping up your veggies and any nuts or herbs for your pesto.

An electric blender or food processor will make whipping up the pesto a breeze. If you don’t have one, a sturdy mortar and pestle works, too.

Finally, keep a mixing bowl ready for tossing everything together. You’ll mix your pasta, pesto, and other ingredients here.

These tools make prepping your salad quick and easy.

Preparing The Ingredients

Start by gathering the main ingredients. You’ll need fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice for the pesto. Each item adds bold flavors, making your salad taste great.

Next, choose your pasta. Opt for your favorite pasta, such as rotini or bow-tie. These shapes hold the pesto well and make the salad look appealing.

Prepare fresh vegetables to mix into the salad. Cherry tomatoes and spinach work nicely. They add color and a fresh crunch to every bite. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

If you love a bit more texture, consider adding some nuts or seeds. Walnuts or sunflower seeds are good options. Toasting them lightly in a pan can enhance their taste.

Before mixing everything, ensure your pasta is cooked and drained properly. Let it cool slightly to avoid wilting the fresh ingredients. A little drizzle of olive oil can keep the pasta from sticking.

By having all ingredients prepped and ready, mixing everything together becomes a breeze.

Serving Suggestions

You can enjoy it as a refreshing cold dish on a warm day or serve it slightly warmed for a comforting touch. Use your favorite pasta shape to make the salad feel just right for you. Bowties or spirals add fun textures, while penne or shells make for hearty bites.

Add some crusty bread on the side for a nice contrast. A warm slice of sourdough or ciabatta can turn your salad into a full meal. Pairing the salad with bread also helps to soak up all that delicious pesto flavor.

If you want to take it up a notch, serve your salad with a fresh, green side dish. A crisp mixed greens salad compliments the rich pesto flavors. You can add cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for some extra crunch.

For presentation, sprinkle the salad with a bit of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds. This not only adds a nice crunch but also makes the dish look extra inviting. A small drizzle of balsamic glaze can also enhance the visual appeal.

Don’t forget about beverages. A chilled glass of white wine or lemonade makes a great pair with the salad. It’ll complement the savory elements, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Storage Tips

It’s important to store it right to keep it fresh.

• After preparing the salad, put it in an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture, which can make the salad spoil faster.
• Keep your salad in the fridge. It should be stored at a cool temperature to ensure it stays tasty. Aim to use it within three to four days for the best flavor and freshness.
• If you plan to store the salad dressing separately, this can keep your pasta from getting soggy. Mix everything together when you’re ready to eat. Doing this helps maintain the perfect texture and taste.
• If you’re packing it for lunch, a small ice pack in your lunch bag can keep it cool until you’re ready to enjoy it. This way, your salad stays fresh and delicious even when you’re on the go.

Pesto Pasta Salad

This easy pasta pesto salad is exactly what you're looking for! It's filled with a bunch of veggies and you can add your favorite type of pasta. Serve it as a vegan pasta salad recipe that's simple to make and is perfectly suitable for lunch or dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup of fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons of pine nuts
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 2 cups of pasta rotini or bow-tie
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes chopped
• 1 cup of spinach chopped
• 1/4 cup of walnuts or sunflower seeds optional

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Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain properly.
• Let the pasta cool slightly and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Prepare the pesto by blending fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice until smooth.
• Chop the cherry tomatoes and spinach into bite-sized pieces.
• If using, toast the walnuts or sunflower seeds lightly in a pan to enhance their flavor.
• Combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and toasted nuts or seeds in a large bowl.
• Add the pesto to the bowl and mix everything together until well-coated.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcal

Keyword Vegan

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Stefan K.

Stefan has been vegan since 2019 and has been regularly working on his strength since the beginning of 2023. He’s on a mission to help other vegans get stronger and have all of them achieve the quality of life they deserve.